Hunting in Medieval Aristocracy

Paper Summary:

A look at the important role that hunting played for the Medieval society. The author discusses the history and origins of hunting and looks at the meaning that hunting held for the Medieval aristocrat as a sign of power wealth and nobility, as a reflection of their combat prowess and as a way to prove themselves before their fellow men.

From the Paper:

"When one considers the qualities that were necessary for the medieval aristocracy, hunting is the most important of these. The hunt was a way for the aristocrat to not only enjoy himself but also to prove his manhood and hone his combat prowess. The hunt become a more and more important factor of the life of the aristocrat until you have the king, like William Rufus, who devotes his entire life to hunting at the expense of the kingdom. Hunting originally began as a simple means to procure food, but the pomp and circumstance that grew around it, as is still present today with the fox hunts, formalised it into a ritual and a form of entertainment. As the nobility became more and more powerful and rich they had fewer and fewer responsibilities. This becomes evident in England, whenever a period of peace comes, the nobility, bored with their lack of action, turn to hunting as a means of escape and enjoyment, much as one does today with televised sporting events."

More papers on Hunting in Medieval Aristocracy:

• Analytical Essay # 133320 : "Urban Rebellion in Medieval Europe"
• Essay # 88259 : "The Evolution of Feudalism in Medieval Europe"
• Research Paper # 128480 : "Witch Hunting in the Middle Ages and Beyond"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: