Medieval Times

Medieval Times location in Schaumburg, Illinois.

This article is about Medieval Times dinner theater chain. For the historical time period, see Middle Ages.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a chain of dinner theaters which host royal feasts and tournaments featuring medieval games, sword-fighting and jousting. Each of the nine North American locations is housed in an 11th-century-style castle. The company is privately held and headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Company History

Medieval Times is celebrating its 25th year in North America. The founders first launched the unique idea for an 11th century-style dinner attraction on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1973. This imaginative new entertainment spot was inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch knights compete on horseback.

During the early years in Spain, the show's authentic display of classic equestrian skills and medieval pageantry took place in outdoor arenas, a far cry from the climate-controlled castles of today. There, the conventions of today's shows were established. Guests were seated in sections named for regions of Medieval Spain and encouraged to cheer for the Knight representing their region.

Ten short years after opening the castle in Spain, Medieval Times ventured overseas and into North America with its Kissimmee, Florida, castle. The reception was immediate and overwhelming.

With the resounding success of the Florida Castle, plans were immediately developed to expand the company on this new continent. Nine castles now exist across North America to entertain, delight and amaze.

• 1983 - Kissimmee, Florida (near Orlando)
• 1986 - Buena Park, California
• 1990 - Lyndhurst, New Jersey (near New York City)
• 1991 - Schaumburg, Illinois (near Chicago)
• 1992 - Dallas, Texas
• 1993 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• 1995 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• 2004 - Hanover, Maryland (near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.)
• 2006 - Atlanta, Georgia

As Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has grown in popularity both in Spain and North America, some things haven't changed -- like commitment to the accuracy of weapons and costumes. Others have: the characters and storyline of the show evolve every few years, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for generations to come.

Knights

Upon arrival at a Medieval Times castle, guests are assigned to a knight (and given a crown to wear that features the knight's color). Guests sit in the knight's section of the arena and proudly cheer in his honor.

The six brave knights one meets at Medieval Times are:

The Black & White Knight: "Don Iofre Santa Creu is the defender of the ancient shrine at Santiago de Compostela. Adorned in Black & White, he is mightiest in skill among an order of warrior priests whose arrival upon the field brings despair to the impure of heart. In prayer, humble. In service, loyal. In battle, invincible!"

The Blue Knight: "As a young squire, Don Alberto del Mau earned his place among the Knights of the Realm in a desperate battle. Renowned as a champion of the defenseless, the Blue Knight's blood will not be cooled, nor his vengeance postponed, for those who bring war and unquiet to Valiente."

The Red & Yellow Knight: "Lord del Font is the personal champion to the Count of Perelada. The sword of this invincible soldier has raised him to fame. Defeat and regret have been the reward of the countless challengers who have offered their honor and their shields to the point of the Red & Yellow Knight's lance."

The Yellow Knight: "In defense of Navarre, Don Eduardo del Rey is the rock. The Yellow Knight is well-versed in the arts of chivalry, yet in attack, he is the lion uncaged! Let the ring of steel herald his arrival and the smoke of battle linger in his wake, for a legend of the Realm walks among us."

The Red Knight: "Truest son of mighty Castilla, Baron Ruiz de Roig has been called the "lion's heart" in many a battle. Set him at liberty, and paralyze the enemy! With little pleasure will the ambitious look upon the banner of Castilla hanging in the list."

The Green Knight: "This warrior of Asturius is an unquestioned master of weapons. Don Temple has never been unhorsed in the joust. No mantle of peace or of serenity will ever grace his shoulders, for his temper is the dragon's claw."

The Soundtrack

Every several years or so, Medieval Times redoes their soundtrack. The second to last time it was redone (2002), only one of the 31 tracks had words in it, the rest were all orchestrated.

1. "Let the Tale Be Told" – 2:39
2. "Unconquered" – 2:08
3. "The Captain" – 1:02
4. "Undaunted" – 0:48
5. "Sterling" – 0:52
6. "Courageous" – 0:45
7. "Defiant" – 0:49
8. "Scorned" – 0:48
9. "Isis Rising" – 1:37
10. "Triumphant" – 3:17
11. "Deliverance" – 5:15
12. "Bright Lance" – 1:55
13. "Splendor" – 1:27
14. "Brothers-in-Arms" – 1:30
15. "Keen Eye" – 2:08
16. "Swift Purpose" – 1:50
17. "Radiant" – 1:38
18. "Andalusian Parade" – 3:07
19. "The Hall of the King" – 2:07
20. "Twilight" – 1:44

# "The Battle is Joined" – 2:34

1. "The Banners Fall" – 2:50
2. "The Forge" – 3:03
3. "Speed of Horse" – 1:34
4. "Hammer And Anvil" – 2:10
5. "Wolf At The Gates" – 2:19
6. "Throne Of Fire" – 2:02
7. "Under The Shadow" – 1:51
8. "Crown Of Gold" – 1:33
9. "Homage" – 4:11

They have redone the soundtrack for 2007, but have yet to sell the CD. Medieval Times’ new show features a rousing original score by award-winning film composer Daniel May and recorded by the Czech Film Orchestra in July 2007, at Prague’s storied Rudolfinum Concert Hall. It is May’s second score for Medieval Times. During a Medieval Times performance, music is key to more than just fight choreography. Over 120 individual musical cues help the action to dance effortlessly from heart-pounding battle sequences to tender scenes between a Prince and Princess, adding further beauty and depth to an epic tale.

External links

• Medieval Times' Official Web site
• Schatzker, Mark (2004). "How medieval-themed restaurants get it wrong". Slate.com. Retrieved 2008-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)