Medieval Entertainers and Feasts

During medieval times, nobles and royals often enjoyed themselves at feasts and with entertainers who were employed to--well, entertain them! Probably one of the reasons people today enjoy such venues as Medieval Times and Renn Fests!

If you've taken my A Noble's Life in Medieval Times, then you will recognize this post as one of the lessons. I thought it important to share with anyone who has yet to take the course! Enjoy :)

Entertainers



Troubador

 Musicians and musical instruments were used everyday. Some instruments include: flute, recorder, gemshorn, lute, psaltery, vielle/viol, fiddle, harp, organ, bagpipes, and drums. Instruments were not the only form of music however, singing and poetry were also popular. Singers/storytellers were often referred to as troubadours (vernacular lyric poet) jongleur or minstrel. A story could be sung, chanted, or told in an expressive voice. You didn’t have to have a fancy title however to be a singer, and sometimes family members and friends would sing to entertain each other as well. Songs could be religious in origin, tell a folk tale or a real life adventure, or be a little more vulgar in nature. Dancers often accompanied the musicians. The nobles would often join in the dancing or watch was their seated place.

Some extremely wealthy houses had their own musicians, but most musicians traveled from place to place.

Other forms of entertainment were plays. Plays could be put on by the party who is attending the feast or a drama group could come and perform for the guests. Plays could be mythological, religious, re-tell a real tale, be political, or comical.

Feasts

For some very wealthy nobles every mid-day meal (the biggest most important meal of the day) could be a feast. For others feasts occurred on special occasions and when guests came to visit. Feasts could take place in the courtyard depending on the weather, or in the great hall.

Feasts weren’t just about the food, but also about entertainment. The people would dance, listen to music, listen to stories, watch a play, talk with friends, and of course eat. Food and drink were plenty, and there were always more options to choose from than any one person could eat. If you were attending a feast, you may take a bite of several different dishes and be full. Toasts were given, and everyone had a merry time.

Check out these articles I've written on the subject:

Four and Twenty Blackbirds - http://historyundressed.blogspot.com/2008/02/four-twenty-blackbirds.html

Medieval Cookery - http://historyundressed.blogspot.com/2009/01/medieval-cookery-and-special-guest.html

Medieval Beverages - http://historyundressed.blogspot.com/2008/10/medieval-beverages-tasty.html

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Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. Visit her at http://www.elizaknight.com/.

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From across a field of battle, English knight, Alexander, Lord Hardwyck, spots the object of his desire—and his conquest, Scottish traitor Lady Chloe.

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