Yesterday, Bo and I went to the local Renaissance Fair for the day. It really isn't the most historically correct of Ren fairs and while I know that there aren't any truly historically correct Ren fairs, this one is pretty far down the scale.
Anyway, it was fun. We ate fair food (not too tasty), watched some interesting performances, and browsed the marketplace (of ridiculous 'medieval' items). Our original intention was to go see our friend Chris perform in the living chessboard. He's a member of the Thieves Guilde and every year this group of volunteer performers stages live chess match-ups between Robin Hood and his merry men and the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies. Of course, each time a piece is taken, that character must valiantly fight for their lives, so it is very entertaining. Chris did a good job, both in the fighting and in the rabble rousing of the crowd, which is a major component of the performances.
However, the highlight of my day came while Bo and I preparing to watch a demonstration of medieval armed combat. While the competitors were standing on the sidelines preparing for battle, I overheard one of the fighters make a comment about is age and how he was getting too old to do this anymore. I called out to him and said he looked just fine. Then, he beckoned me to the side of the field where he asked if he might have the privilege of defending my honor as my champion. I consented and he presented me with a rose (fake, but pretty). After every battle he won, which was quite a few, he would turn and salute me with a flourish of his weapon and a short bow. At the end of the performance, he gave me a final salute and I went to the side of the field to congratulate him. He thanked Bo for being a kind and generous lord by allowing him to be his lady's champion and thanked me for my enthusiastic support. I bestowed a chaste kiss on his cheek and departed.
I had so much fun! I really enjoyed having a champion, having someone fight for my honor. I can see the appeal of this for medieval ladies and even for modern women, though we don't really have a similar social system of courtly love. Now, I kinda wish modern society did have some form of courtly love. Having a champion means a lady has someone to cheer for, someone to support and in return she gets someone that pays attention to her and makes her feel special and loved. She can flirt in a safe way with the approval of society. It was really a pleasure to be my knight's special lady.
Anyway, it was fun. We ate fair food (not too tasty), watched some interesting performances, and browsed the marketplace (of ridiculous 'medieval' items). Our original intention was to go see our friend Chris perform in the living chessboard. He's a member of the Thieves Guilde and every year this group of volunteer performers stages live chess match-ups between Robin Hood and his merry men and the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies. Of course, each time a piece is taken, that character must valiantly fight for their lives, so it is very entertaining. Chris did a good job, both in the fighting and in the rabble rousing of the crowd, which is a major component of the performances.
However, the highlight of my day came while Bo and I preparing to watch a demonstration of medieval armed combat. While the competitors were standing on the sidelines preparing for battle, I overheard one of the fighters make a comment about is age and how he was getting too old to do this anymore. I called out to him and said he looked just fine. Then, he beckoned me to the side of the field where he asked if he might have the privilege of defending my honor as my champion. I consented and he presented me with a rose (fake, but pretty). After every battle he won, which was quite a few, he would turn and salute me with a flourish of his weapon and a short bow. At the end of the performance, he gave me a final salute and I went to the side of the field to congratulate him. He thanked Bo for being a kind and generous lord by allowing him to be his lady's champion and thanked me for my enthusiastic support. I bestowed a chaste kiss on his cheek and departed.
I had so much fun! I really enjoyed having a champion, having someone fight for my honor. I can see the appeal of this for medieval ladies and even for modern women, though we don't really have a similar social system of courtly love. Now, I kinda wish modern society did have some form of courtly love. Having a champion means a lady has someone to cheer for, someone to support and in return she gets someone that pays attention to her and makes her feel special and loved. She can flirt in a safe way with the approval of society. It was really a pleasure to be my knight's special lady.
