Grim Facts About Knights That Show Just How Medieval Times Really Were

Does being a knight seem like a courageous way to live? Think again. A far cry from Sir Lancelot, these medieval soldiers of fortune were no fairy tale heroes. Knights didn't necessarily win the hearts of princesses, live in elegant castles, or even fight for good. Their day-to-day existence was a drudgery, and most were doomed to meet a rather unfortunate end. For knights, The Dark Ages were most definitely "dark."

1. Not All Fun and Games

Medieval tournaments let knights compete and show off their skills in peacetime. Although they were mostly games, death was possible, such as when King Henry ll of France decided to join in on the fun. During a joust, a splinter from his opponent's lance impaled the king through the eye.

2. Fighter's Routine

If they weren't killed, knights could get used to spending lots of time in dungeons. Bertrand du Guesclin was an important knight for the French who, from 1370 to 1380, served King Charles V. When captured by the British, the king paid his ransom and ordered du Guesclin to head to Spain. There, the British captured him again and the king re-paid his ransom. Talk about getting into a routine!

3. Ready for Battle

A knight's battle armor did not always look so iconic. Early on, protective material was merely placed in key places on the body. With enough time, better technology came about, though not everyone had access to it. Full suits of armor were only for knights of high status, and they weighed an additional 45-50 pounds.

4. Losing Your Head

Here's a positive aspect. If you were a knight and were sentenced to be executed, death was usually swift. Beheading was considered an honorable way to meet one's fate. Often, this execution was intended for those of noble status, namely knights. Then again, not every doomed man got off so easily...