Hastilude

Hastilude is a generic term used in the Middle Ages to refer to many kinds of martial games. The word comes from the Latin "hastiludium", literally 'lance game'. By the fourteenth century, the term usually excluded tournaments and was used to describe the other games collectively; this seems to have coincided with the increasing preference for ritualistic and individualistic games over the traditional mêlée style. [Barker (1986), pp. 138–9.]

Today, the most well-known of the hastiludes are the tournament, or "tourney", and the joust, but over the medieval period a number of other games and sports developed, which altered in popularity and rules from area to area, and from period to period. Distinction was made between the different types by contemporaries in their description, laws, prohibitions and customs.

The main types are identified below.

Types of hastiludes

Tournament

Joust

In contrast to the tournament, which comprised teams of large numbers ranging over large tracts of land, the joust was fought between two individuals on horseback, in a small, defined ground often known as the "lists". The two would ride at each other from opposite ends, charging with a couched lance. In the early fifteenth century, a barrier was introduced to keep the horses apart, to avoid collisions.

More informal jousting events would have several horsemen within the lists at once, where each waited to take up the challenge of another, although the aim remained for the joust to be a one-on-one duel.

There were several types of joust, including some regional preferences or rules. For example, in fourteenth century Germany, distinction was made between the "Hohenzeuggestech", where the aim was to break the lance, and the "Scharfrennen", where knights sought to unhorse their opponents. These types called for different lances (light in the former, heavy in the latter), and saddles (where the "Scharfrennen" called for saddles without front or rear supports, which would impede the fall). [Barker (1986), p. 147.]

Jousts originally developed out of the charge at the beginning of the mêlée, but by the thirteenth century had become quite distinct from the tourney. That it was seen as a separate event, with its own rules and customs, is clear from historical documents: such as Edward II of England's ban of 1309 of all forms of hastilude "except" the joust. By nature of its duel, and the discrete space required for the action, the joust became a popular spectator and ceremonial sport, with elaborate rituals developing around the whole event.

Pas d'armes

Mêlée

Behourd

Quintain

Also known as "pavo" (or peacock), the term quintain was often used to refer collectively to a number of lance games, often used as training for jousting, where the competitor would attempt to strike an object with his lance, sword or other weapon. The common object was a shield or board on a pole (usually referred to, confusingly, as 'the quintain'), although a mannikin was sometimes used. It was not unknown for a seated armoured knight to act as the target. This game was open to all, popular with young men of all classes. While the use of horses aided in training for the joust, the game could be played on foot, using a wooden horse or on boats (popular in twelfth century London). [Barker (1986), pp. 149–51.]

Tupinaire

While frequently referred to by contemporary sources, and included (separately) in various prohibitions and declarations over the medieval period, little is known about the nature of the "tupinaire". It is clearly a hastilude, or wargame, of some kind, and distinct from the other types, but there seems to be no clear description of its rules.

Aventuras quaerare

Literally, 'seeking adventures'.

Feat of Arms

Chivalric Combat

Not strictly a hastilude, which were essentially games, the chivalric combat had a judicial purpose, as a means of settling a criminal or treasonous charge. Fought with weapons of war, it continued until death or severe injury ended the fight, and the loser proved guilty, and, if still alive, would be executed. It is not dissimilar to the judicial duel, but was restricted to those of chivalric rank, and usually fought before a representative of the state or crown. [Barker (1986), pp. 159–60.]

Round Table

Debate exists amongst historians as to whether the term "Round Table" refers to a specific type of hastilude, or if it refers to the social event surrounding one of the other types of hastilude.

Notes

References

* Barker, Juliet (1986) "The Tournament in England: 1100–1400", UK: Boydell Press ISBN 0851154506