The Knights at the Renaissance Festival

Wikipedia tells us that jousting is a medieval and renaissance martial game or hastilude between two combatants either on horse or on foot. The joust became an iconic characteristic of the knight in Romantic medievalism, and you know it from film and tv like “A Knight’s Tale” starring Heath Ledger or from attractions like Medieval Times Dinner & Theatre. At the MN Renaissance Festival they have an open arena space designated specifically for the sport.

I had the great pleasure of speaking to some of these knights, starting with Sir Daniel.

Then, there was Lady Emma.

Another was the veteran, Sir Victor.

Finally, there was Hal Froemke (They/Them).

So how did each of them become a knight?

For Hanna (Lady Emma), it can be simplified that she accidentally became a jouster.

They were then asked the process gone through to becoming jousting knights.

And I loved what they all said was their favorite part of being a jouster.

Sir Daniel even helps with Marshalling for the contests.

Silas and Eleanor had some fun stories for the origins of their characters and how they came up with them.

So what would they say is the hardest part about jousting?

And the easiest part?

I believe Dame Eleanor summed it up the best.

But, it’s not all about winning with these contests.

So what is next for the jousters after the Ren Fest? Sir Daniel tells us.

The 2024 Renaissance Festival only have a couple weekends left, and a great reason to plan a trip would be to see these armored athletes compete in the medieval sport. Jousting is truly a sport that depends on multitasking, and becoming comfortable in uncomfortable situations. The final weekend of the Renaissance Festival will be the last weekend of September, and the theme is Oktoberfest.