‘Boy’s Own’ Duelling

Duelling probably occurred in many early European cultures. Presumably where villages and small towns were under constant threat of invading hordes, and some required the valiant defending by selected warriors. As the status of the warriors increased, competition levels would rise. Classic literature enhances such competitions. The Beowulf legend and Egils Saga regale such stories. Duelling would also most likely, have formed a part of the judicial system. That form, in some circumstances, probably took on a ‘trial by combat’, between an alleged guilty person and, a chosen ‘defender of the village’. Depending on the skills of the individuals, not necessarily the best way to decide actual responsibility or guilt, but no doubt a good crowd-pleaser and entertainment. Probably such a system was not dissimilar to what I would be shortly facing with my father. Not that I was guilty, but definitely responsible for part of the accident, as I have always claimed.

As the societies developed (so the romantics would have us believe), duelling contests would become very public displays, and the contests, inevitably becoming restricted to the upper classes. The lower classes being far too busy working, growing food and providing sons for the wars of the lords. The Lords, whom with companies of knights, would provide special entertainment and competitions, not just of sword and shield, but the famous ‘jousting on horseback’. A favourite classic story of my youth, Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, captured such events. I understood it was not an actual accurate record of the circumstances (since it was written in the 1820’s) but sparked a whole vanguard of published works centred on the notion of kings, knights, armour, nobility, chivalry and that which is central to duelling, honour. None greater, than the much written about, King Arthur, the epitome of the classic honour legend in text.

The are so many variations of the King Arthur legend, aside from the fantasists collections of a magic sword and the all powerful wizard (not that I haven’t enjoyed some of those versions of the legend). I prefer the idea of a 5^th century leader, post Romans, attempting to bring together the factions of a misaligned country, both politically and socially. The idea of forming a capital, where honour was paramount and duty was to the people, even if, as the legend goes on to say, he was betrayed and broken by love. Still, it is a great example of very honourable concepts. The many stories of the knights which have been told, and their personal quests, being the moral compasses of the nation. Great purpose is held in the stories and true inspiration. And in all, it is the ‘sense’ of honour which prevails.

An entertaining and informative article by Chris Hutcheson and Brett McKay on duelling, comments that in 1526 when the treaty between France and Spain broke down, Frances I and Charles V challenged each other to a duel and while it did not eventuate, it brought the age of duelling back to Europe afresh.

(Continued tomorrow)