Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Tournaments explained
This chapter describes the origins, pageantry, and chivalric customs of medieval tournaments and jousts in France, including the Church's condemnation, the rules of combat, and the role of ladies in encouraging and rewarding knights.
What happens
This chapter describes the origins, pageantry, and chivalric customs of medieval tournaments and jousts in France, including the Church's condemnation, the rules of combat, and the role of ladies in encouraging and rewarding knights.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Heroism and the Quest
The tournament serves as a stage for knights to display heroism and skill, seeking glory and the favor of their ladies.
Key passages
“The splendid pageant of a tournament between knights, its gaudy accessories and trappings, and its chivalrous regulations, originated in France.”
The elaborate spectacle of knightly tournaments, with their colorful decorations and codes of chivalry, began in France.
Describes the origin and nature of tournaments.
“Tournaments were repeatedly condemned by the Church, probably on account of the quarrels they led to, and the often fatal results.”
The Church frequently denounced tournaments, likely because they sparked disputes and frequently caused deaths.
Explains the Church's opposition to tournaments.
“The ladies encouraged their knights in these exercises; they bestowed prizes, and the conqueror's feats were the theme of romance and song.”
Ladies motivated their knights in these contests, awarding prizes, and the victor's deeds became subjects of romantic tales and songs.
Highlights the role of women in tournaments.
