The horrifying life of the Medieval Knight

Historically, medieval knights have often been described as courageous and loyal heroes who can fight to death without fear or regret. However, in fact, their lives are really difficult and painful.

Faced with the risk of trauma that is always present, the knights sometimes struggle with despair, helplessness, fear and delusion, and even suffer from post-traumatic depression or intermittent disorders. mandarin

For a long time, scientists have recognized that having to undergo terrible fighting, terrorism, and torture can lead to a kind of serious psychological disorder that people now call PTSD.

Real life of medieval knights
contrary to their cold and cruel looks.

Recently, medieval historian Heeboll-Holm from the University of Copenhagen focused on studying three documents by Geoffroi de Charny, a 14th-century French knight and trusted adviser of King John II , write.

Although these documents were thoroughly analyzed, Heeboll-Holm was the first to see them through the lens of modern military psychology.

In his work, Charny wrote: 'This work makes people suffer from heat, hunger and strenuous, sleep time is too little and often be alert. Sleep is also uncomfortable when lying on the ground and is often awakened suddenly. And you are completely helpless if you want to change the situation. You will often experience fear when you see an enemy rushing towards you with a sword or spear. The arrows are flying and you don't know how to protect yourself. You see people killing each other, running away, dying or being captured as prisoners. You see the bodies of your comrades. However, your horse is still alive, and with its lightning speed, you can escape in disgrace, but if you stay, you will be honored. '

Charny has repeatedly expressed concern about the mental health of the knights, Heeboll-Holm said.

The problem is that knights cannot heal themselves by distracting, at least they didn't write it down. Instead, they either just advise other knights on how to act in all different situations or simply recount the terrible stories that I have seen, Richard Kaeuper, their historian. from the University of Rochester (New York).

The research results contribute to providing us with a deep understanding of the lives of medieval knights, who are often regarded as cold and cruel killers.