Life in Medieval Times

Six of the Scariest Monsters of Myth and Folklore

There are many creatures and monsters in folklore, especially in various mythological pantheons. Here, we look at six of the scariest monsters from different myths and folklore. They are some of the most fearsome and well-known creatures or characters in their respective myths.
Siren
Mythology: Greek
Description: Sirens are human-like with alluring voices. While today they are often […]

Six of the Scariest Monsters of Myth and Folklore Read More »

There are many creatures and monsters in folklore, especially in various mythological pantheons. Here, we look at six of the scariest monsters from different myths and folklore. They are some of the most fearsome and well-known creatures or characters in their respective myths.
Siren
Mythology: Greek
Description: Sirens are human-like with alluring voices. While today they are often

From Romeo to Robin Hood: 7 Famous Love Stories

When it comes to the medieval and Renaissance world, there were many love stories that people enjoyed and lived through. Some of them are still famous to this day and continually reappear in pop culture. Here’s a snapshot of 7 of those famous or infamous medieval and Renaissance romances, from Romeo to Robin Hood. Some

From Romeo to Robin Hood: 7 Famous Love Stories Read More »

When it comes to the medieval and Renaissance world, there were many love stories that people enjoyed and lived through. Some of them are still famous to this day and continually reappear in pop culture. Here’s a snapshot of 7 of those famous or infamous medieval and Renaissance romances, from Romeo to Robin Hood. Some

How the Tudors Celebrated Christmas

Have you ever wondered what Christmas looked like for the Tudors? Maybe you would like to celebrate Christmas like Shakespeare or Henry VIII. In this post, we describe how the Tudors would have celebrated Christmas. Let’s start with the general Christmas season.
What did the Christmas season look like for the Tudors?
For the Tudors, actually celebrating

How the Tudors Celebrated Christmas Read More »

Have you ever wondered what Christmas looked like for the Tudors? Maybe you would like to celebrate Christmas like Shakespeare or Henry VIII. In this post, we describe how the Tudors would have celebrated Christmas. Let’s start with the general Christmas season.
What did the Christmas season look like for the Tudors?
For the Tudors, actually celebrating

What was a Medieval Knight?

Have you ever wondered how someone became a knight in the medieval world or what it was like? In this article, we give an overview of how someone became a knight and a bit about the medieval history of knighthood. We look at the military role and evolution of a knight.
What was the main purpose

What was a Medieval Knight? Read More »

Have you ever wondered how someone became a knight in the medieval world or what it was like? In this article, we give an overview of how someone became a knight and a bit about the medieval history of knighthood. We look at the military role and evolution of a knight.
What was the main purpose

Medieval Werewolves and the Undead

Halloween is a popular time of year for telling stories of werewolves and vampires. Of course, you can tell such tales at any time of year, but they are especially fun at Samhain. While most people think of these creatures coming from pop culture, they have roots and equivalents in the medieval world. We will

Medieval Werewolves and the Undead Read More »

Halloween is a popular time of year for telling stories of werewolves and vampires. Of course, you can tell such tales at any time of year, but they are especially fun at Samhain. While most people think of these creatures coming from pop culture, they have roots and equivalents in the medieval world. We will

Timeline of Westeros versus Medieval England

Has it occurred to you that in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, everything is in relation to Aegon the Conqueror? In medieval history, there was a near equivalent with William the Conqueror. So where would the timeline of Westeros be if we used the real-world dates of medieval England? Well, let’s look

Timeline of Westeros versus Medieval England Read More »

Has it occurred to you that in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, everything is in relation to Aegon the Conqueror? In medieval history, there was a near equivalent with William the Conqueror. So where would the timeline of Westeros be if we used the real-world dates of medieval England? Well, let’s look

The Mythology of the Morrigan

When it comes to Celtic mythology, especially Irish myth, one of the most well-known figures is the Morrigan. This Celtic queen is popular in fiction and neo-pagan worship. Here, Medieval Collectibles hopes to introduce you to the mythology of the Irish Goddess, the Morrigan.
Etymology of Morrigan
The Morrigan is the ‘Great Queen’ or the ‘Phantom Queen’

The Mythology of the Morrigan Read More »

When it comes to Celtic mythology, especially Irish myth, one of the most well-known figures is the Morrigan. This Celtic queen is popular in fiction and neo-pagan worship. Here, Medieval Collectibles hopes to introduce you to the mythology of the Irish Goddess, the Morrigan.
Etymology of Morrigan
The Morrigan is the ‘Great Queen’ or the ‘Phantom Queen’

Witchcraft in Medieval Europe

Witchcraft has a long and varied history. In this article, we focus in on the history of witchcraft in Europe during the medieval period and into the Renaissance. Even within this narrower focus, there is a lot involved with witchcraft and the practicing of magic in Europe to cover. This article splits the investigation of

Witchcraft in Medieval Europe Read More »

Witchcraft has a long and varied history. In this article, we focus in on the history of witchcraft in Europe during the medieval period and into the Renaissance. Even within this narrower focus, there is a lot involved with witchcraft and the practicing of magic in Europe to cover. This article splits the investigation of

Harvest Festivals and their Medieval Roots

The fall season is very much a season for harvest festivals. This was especially true for the medieval world. For example, a play from 1600 mentions a harvest celebration that involves singing. End of harvest festivals had the name of Horkey in Eastern England and Ireland. As it didn’t have a standard spelling, it could

Harvest Festivals and their Medieval Roots Read More »

The fall season is very much a season for harvest festivals. This was especially true for the medieval world. For example, a play from 1600 mentions a harvest celebration that involves singing. End of harvest festivals had the name of Horkey in Eastern England and Ireland. As it didn’t have a standard spelling, it could

History of European Arms and Armor

Have you ever wondered what weapons and armor would a medieval soldier have carried? The arms and armor of a European warrior would have changed over the centuries. From the Romans to the Renaissance, we will give you a quick idea of the history of European arms and armor.
Roman Arms and Armor
Let’s start with the

History of European Arms and Armor Read More »

Have you ever wondered what weapons and armor would a medieval soldier have carried? The arms and armor of a European warrior would have changed over the centuries. From the Romans to the Renaissance, we will give you a quick idea of the history of European arms and armor.
Roman Arms and Armor
Let’s start with the

Swords of the Middle Ages: A History

Have you ever wondered how European swords evolved from the time of the Romans to late-medieval mercenaries? In this post, we briefly cover a quick history of the different sword designs and styles of the Middle Ages.
Let’s begin with the most popular swords of the Romans. Their swords are important for context surrounding medieval swords.

Swords of the Middle Ages: A History Read More »

Have you ever wondered how European swords evolved from the time of the Romans to late-medieval mercenaries? In this post, we briefly cover a quick history of the different sword designs and styles of the Middle Ages.
Let’s begin with the most popular swords of the Romans. Their swords are important for context surrounding medieval swords.

Timeline of the Middle Ages

Have you ever been confused about the general order of when things happened in the Middle Ages? In this post, Medieval Collectibles hopes to give you a quick timeline of the span of European history known as the Middle Ages.
What were the Middle Ages?
The Middle Ages were a period of time that spanned from the

Timeline of the Middle Ages Read More »

Have you ever been confused about the general order of when things happened in the Middle Ages? In this post, Medieval Collectibles hopes to give you a quick timeline of the span of European history known as the Middle Ages.
What were the Middle Ages?
The Middle Ages were a period of time that spanned from the

Legends of King Arthur

The Arthurian legends are perhaps the most famous part of English folklore. These legends have traveled across the centuries and the world. In this post, we look at a bit of the legends of King Arthur and his court.
What is the medieval history of Arthurian legend?
King Arthur featured in stories before the 11th century. However,

Legends of King Arthur Read More »

The Arthurian legends are perhaps the most famous part of English folklore. These legends have traveled across the centuries and the world. In this post, we look at a bit of the legends of King Arthur and his court.
What is the medieval history of Arthurian legend?
King Arthur featured in stories before the 11th century. However,

Knight’s Plate Armor

Ever wondered what kind of armour a knight would wear? In this post, we look at the different pieces of a knight’s armour that might have been worn during the height of plate armor. We will cover what the pieces were used for as well as what a full suit looks like.
Before the height of

Knight’s Plate Armor Read More »

Ever wondered what kind of armour a knight would wear? In this post, we look at the different pieces of a knight’s armour that might have been worn during the height of plate armor. We will cover what the pieces were used for as well as what a full suit looks like.
Before the height of

Shakespeare Fun Facts

In honor of Talk like Shakespeare Day, we have written a few fun facts about the famous English playwright William Shakespeare.

The believed date for his birthday and death are both April 23.
His gravestone has a curse on anyone who wants to disturb his grave.
He is the world’s best-selling playwright with over 4 billion copies sold.
In

Shakespeare Fun Facts Read More »

In honor of Talk like Shakespeare Day, we have written a few fun facts about the famous English playwright William Shakespeare.

The believed date for his birthday and death are both April 23.
His gravestone has a curse on anyone who wants to disturb his grave.
He is the world’s best-selling playwright with over 4 billion copies sold.
In

Medieval Easter Traditions

Easter is a holiday alive and well in today’s world. It was equally as important if not more so for the medieval European. How do today’s traditions relate to medieval Europe’s view of Easter? In this post, we look at Easter traditions and their medieval connections.
Easter’s Name and Date
In English, Easter is called exactly that.

Medieval Easter Traditions Read More »

Easter is a holiday alive and well in today’s world. It was equally as important if not more so for the medieval European. How do today’s traditions relate to medieval Europe’s view of Easter? In this post, we look at Easter traditions and their medieval connections.
Easter’s Name and Date
In English, Easter is called exactly that.

Medieval Beer and Brewing

In the United States, National Beer Day is April 7th. In celebration, we explore a bit of the medieval world of beer and brewing. What would a medieval person drink? Let’s take a look.
Two of the most popular drinks in the medieval world were beer and ale. While wine was drunk, it was usually limited

Medieval Beer and Brewing Read More »

In the United States, National Beer Day is April 7th. In celebration, we explore a bit of the medieval world of beer and brewing. What would a medieval person drink? Let’s take a look.
Two of the most popular drinks in the medieval world were beer and ale. While wine was drunk, it was usually limited

Medieval Humor and Renaissance Jokes

Every April 1st, people across the world celebrate April Fool’s Day. This is a day of jokes, pranks, and a general sense of humor. But what sense of humor did medieval and Renaissance people have? What did they find funny, and what kind of value did they put on funny people? In this post, we

Medieval Humor and Renaissance Jokes Read More »

Every April 1st, people across the world celebrate April Fool’s Day. This is a day of jokes, pranks, and a general sense of humor. But what sense of humor did medieval and Renaissance people have? What did they find funny, and what kind of value did they put on funny people? In this post, we

The Great God of Irish Myth

There are many figures in Celtic myth. Celtic myth includes Irish mythology and Welsh mythology as well as others whose mythology did not survive the Roman empire. Within Irish mythology, again there are many gods and goddesses. We will look at one of those gods of Irish myth in this article: the Dagda, the Great

The Great God of Irish Myth Read More »

There are many figures in Celtic myth. Celtic myth includes Irish mythology and Welsh mythology as well as others whose mythology did not survive the Roman empire. Within Irish mythology, again there are many gods and goddesses. We will look at one of those gods of Irish myth in this article: the Dagda, the Great

Saint Patrick and His Life in Ireland

Every March, people celebrate St. Patricks Day. What do you know about the life of this Romano-British missionary? What is the history of this legendary figure? In this article, we look at Saint Patrick and his life in Ireland.
Source of Information
To begin with, history is not able to pinpoint the exact dates that he was

Saint Patrick and His Life in Ireland Read More »

Every March, people celebrate St. Patricks Day. What do you know about the life of this Romano-British missionary? What is the history of this legendary figure? In this article, we look at Saint Patrick and his life in Ireland.
Source of Information
To begin with, history is not able to pinpoint the exact dates that he was

Medieval Traveling

While modern people head off on holidays and vacations, medieval people also did their own share of traveling. While traveling during the Middle Ages does not come up very often in pop culture, it was rather common for people to head off on journeys. This post looks at who was traveling in the medieval world

Medieval Traveling Read More »

While modern people head off on holidays and vacations, medieval people also did their own share of traveling. While traveling during the Middle Ages does not come up very often in pop culture, it was rather common for people to head off on journeys. This post looks at who was traveling in the medieval world

What is Gothic Armour?

Ever wonder what is gothic armour? In this post, we look at the background and design of medieval gothic armour. We focus on the history of this style of armour and compare it to its contemporaries. Let’s head back to the 15th century and look at this distinctive style of armor.
Background
Gothic armour comes from the

What is Gothic Armour? Read More »

Ever wonder what is gothic armour? In this post, we look at the background and design of medieval gothic armour. We focus on the history of this style of armour and compare it to its contemporaries. Let’s head back to the 15th century and look at this distinctive style of armor.
Background
Gothic armour comes from the

A Look at Medieval Cookbooks

While cookbooks are commonplace today, they weren’t always so in the past. Few cookbooks survive today from classical Europe. Apicius de re coquinaria is the most well-known example of such classical cookbooks. It wasn’t until the 14th century that we begin to have a greater variety of surviving texts about cooking and food in Europe.

A Look at Medieval Cookbooks Read More »

While cookbooks are commonplace today, they weren’t always so in the past. Few cookbooks survive today from classical Europe. Apicius de re coquinaria is the most well-known example of such classical cookbooks. It wasn’t until the 14th century that we begin to have a greater variety of surviving texts about cooking and food in Europe.

Alchemy in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

The image of the alchemist has an interesting and long history that runs from antiquity to the modern day in various forms. In this post, we take a look at the history of alchemy in medieval and Renaissance Europe. We will also give ideas on how to dress as an alchemist inspired by this history.
Medieval

Alchemy in Medieval and Renaissance Europe Read More »

The image of the alchemist has an interesting and long history that runs from antiquity to the modern day in various forms. In this post, we take a look at the history of alchemy in medieval and Renaissance Europe. We will also give ideas on how to dress as an alchemist inspired by this history.
Medieval

Early Timeline of Valentines Day

While the current interpretation of St. Valentine’s Day seems rather modern and commercial, the early timeline of the holiday begins with the Romans and continues through the French Revolution. In this post, we look at the beginnings of Saint Valentines Day and some of its traditions.
Roman Origins
The establishment of Saint Valentine’s Day began in 496.

Early Timeline of Valentines Day Read More »

While the current interpretation of St. Valentine’s Day seems rather modern and commercial, the early timeline of the holiday begins with the Romans and continues through the French Revolution. In this post, we look at the beginnings of Saint Valentines Day and some of its traditions.
Roman Origins
The establishment of Saint Valentine’s Day began in 496.

Wizards in Fiction

Wizards are easily the most recognizable characters in fiction. In this post, we will explore the archetype of the wizard and how it is expressed in fiction, especially pop culture. From their interpretations in media to how you can look like one, we take a quick look at the portrayal of the fictional wizard.
Types of

Wizards in Fiction Read More »

Wizards are easily the most recognizable characters in fiction. In this post, we will explore the archetype of the wizard and how it is expressed in fiction, especially pop culture. From their interpretations in media to how you can look like one, we take a quick look at the portrayal of the fictional wizard.
Types of

Roman Armor

When it comes to fighting as a Roman, what armor you wear will depend upon the era that you are in. There were varying changes to the armor of a Roman soldier across the centuries. Their armor changed with their circumstances. In this post, we look at a few of the major turning points in

Roman Armor Read More »

When it comes to fighting as a Roman, what armor you wear will depend upon the era that you are in. There were varying changes to the armor of a Roman soldier across the centuries. Their armor changed with their circumstances. In this post, we look at a few of the major turning points in

Medieval Female Armour

If you want to become a mighty warrior princess, you will need to don some armour for battle. In this post, we take a short look at medieval female armour, not just its history but also the practicalities and sizing issues involved. We also mention a couple of our most popular pieces of female armour.
Historical

Medieval Female Armour Read More »

If you want to become a mighty warrior princess, you will need to don some armour for battle. In this post, we take a short look at medieval female armour, not just its history but also the practicalities and sizing issues involved. We also mention a couple of our most popular pieces of female armour.
Historical

Quick Look at the Landsknecht

We are going to take a quick look at one of the most famous groups during the Late Middle Ages, the Landsknecht. This group influenced both military and fashion history. Who were they? The Landsknecht were German-speaking mercenaries organized in mostly pikemen formations.
History
Taking a quick look at the history of the Landsknecht, this influential military

Quick Look at the Landsknecht Read More »

We are going to take a quick look at one of the most famous groups during the Late Middle Ages, the Landsknecht. This group influenced both military and fashion history. Who were they? The Landsknecht were German-speaking mercenaries organized in mostly pikemen formations.
History
Taking a quick look at the history of the Landsknecht, this influential military

Medieval Style in a Modern Holiday Feast

Wish you could bring some medieval style to your holiday feast but not sure where to start? In this post, we give you options and ideas on how to bring medieval and fantasy style to your modern holiday feasts. From serving to eating, we give a few different options and styles for you to look

Medieval Style in a Modern Holiday Feast Read More »

Wish you could bring some medieval style to your holiday feast but not sure where to start? In this post, we give you options and ideas on how to bring medieval and fantasy style to your modern holiday feasts. From serving to eating, we give a few different options and styles for you to look

How to Layer and Wear your Steel Armor

Medieval Collectibles is here to help you figure out how to layer and wear a suit of steel armor. We walk you through putting together your armored outfit by using the Blackened Vladimir Armour Outfit (OUTFIT-M48) as an example. After reading this post, you will be better prepared to get ready for battle.

Blackened Vladimir Armour

How to Layer and Wear your Steel Armor Read More »

Medieval Collectibles is here to help you figure out how to layer and wear a suit of steel armor. We walk you through putting together your armored outfit by using the Blackened Vladimir Armour Outfit (OUTFIT-M48) as an example. After reading this post, you will be better prepared to get ready for battle.

Blackened Vladimir Armour

Medieval Heraldry Introduction

Coats of arms are an icon of the world of the Middle Ages and Medieval Collectibles brings you a short introduction into the world of medieval heraldry. We hope to help you get a better understanding of what is shown on a medieval coat of arms.
History of Heraldry and Coats of Arms
Since ancient times, warriors

Medieval Heraldry Introduction Read More »

Coats of arms are an icon of the world of the Middle Ages and Medieval Collectibles brings you a short introduction into the world of medieval heraldry. We hope to help you get a better understanding of what is shown on a medieval coat of arms.
History of Heraldry and Coats of Arms
Since ancient times, warriors

Medieval Style Thanksgiving

A Giving of Thanks
Thanksgiving is one time of the year when feasting is common. After all, almost everyone has memories of getting together and stuffing themselves with turkey and ham as well as all manner of side dishes composed of corn, potatoes, yams, and cranberries. These meals usually end with grand desserts like cakes, pies,

Medieval Style Thanksgiving Read More »

A Giving of Thanks
Thanksgiving is one time of the year when feasting is common. After all, almost everyone has memories of getting together and stuffing themselves with turkey and ham as well as all manner of side dishes composed of corn, potatoes, yams, and cranberries. These meals usually end with grand desserts like cakes, pies,

Medieval Feast

Thanksgiving did not exist in medieval times, but medieval nobles and royals were definitely no strangers to fine feasts with lots of food! Feasting was a grand social occasion often filled with an unimaginable amount of food in great variety, all for the enjoyment of a royal or well-off lord and a few hundred of

Medieval Feast Read More »

Thanksgiving did not exist in medieval times, but medieval nobles and royals were definitely no strangers to fine feasts with lots of food! Feasting was a grand social occasion often filled with an unimaginable amount of food in great variety, all for the enjoyment of a royal or well-off lord and a few hundred of

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