The Masculinity of the Medieval Warrior - Essay Example

One of the modern platforms of medieval warfare, where masculinity continues to be exhibited and depicted on a constant basis, is that of the Full Metal Joust. Certainly, masculinity is not exhibited only in terms of the nature of the combat, which generally involves brute force.

This shows a preconceived knowledge and idea in the minds of the ordinary person on the street of how masculine medieval warfare was and thus the need to preserve it as a masculine venture.
The second instance or example has to do with the fact that there is a general stereotype that depicts males as combative and agile in defense as compared to females. This stereotype has created a misconception that Full Metal Joust should be a thing for males and that females should find themselves associated with certain less violent and combative ventures. Some pundits have linked the masculinity and stereotype involved in medieval warfare and other popular media to even the custom used by candidates, which they believe are always designed to appear masculine. This way, it is barely impossible to differentiate between a male and a female if they are both clad in their medieval warrior custom.

B) Also, how do weapons and armor fit into this mythology? Why are some weapons and equipment/strategies central and why / how have others been sidelined?

In the whole idea or system of medieval warfare, it would be noted that much emphasis is given to some weapons over others. Technically, it could be said that this strategic approach has been taken due to the roles that selected weapons play in bringing about victory to warriors. To this effect, bow, arrow, and spear have been given much attention whiles others like the sling have been sidelined. Two factors that could account for reasons for this development have to do with the reaching ability of some of these weapons in the event of combat and the portability of the weapons for swiftness.
On the reaching ability of weapons, it would be noted that most medieval combats are fought with two warriors standing at distant positions (Gravett and McBride, 1998). Due to this reason, it is always important that a weapon that can reach the opponent, regardless of the distance be used. In reaching the opponent also, it has always been important to ensure that the opponent is reached with accuracy. Given these factors, warriors find the bow and spear more suitable for breaking the distance, whiles achieving accuracy at the target.

Unlike a sling, which the warrior cannot be guaranteed of its accuracy in direction; a bow and spear come with almost 100 percent accuracy once directed at a spot (Mondschein, 2011). What is more, in order that warriors are offered the ability to concentrate on the battle without thinking of the need of carrying huge weapons, the bow and spear have always been preferred to other huge weapons because they are very portable. Read More