# Tournaments explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Themes 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/tournaments
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters