How did knights participate in tournaments like jousting without killing themselves?

361 views

If movies have not lied to me (😜), knights’ tournaments are involve hacking, slashing, and jousting each other. How did they not kill each other using such weapons or speed on horses? And if it was actually dangerous, why did they participate?

In: 155

18 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Oh, they did die. Henry II of France famously died due to an eye and brain injury sustained during a jousting bout. Wood splinter got in his eye.

>And if it was actually dangerous, why did they participate?

The recognition they would get was often worth the risk to them. The sport was dangerous, and people did die, but it was a relatively uncommon occurrence and they felt it would show their bravery and honor to everyone else.

You are viewing 1 out of 18 answers, click here to view all answers.