Week 8, Day 8, Hour 8 at Mount Hopeshire

The Bard hath said, "Time travels in divers paces with divers persons," and just as Rosalind noted in As You Like It, whether a few hours pass at an amble, trot, gallop, or not at all, be it entirely dependent upon the person. With fewer than two hours left in the festival day, Ax and Lotti have ambled into the hour of six o' the clock at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (PRF) during the anachronistic Time Travelers Weekend.

Time, which we know to be in the Shire as the Elizabethan era, has suddenly galloped into the Victorian era and beyond. This week, Ax and Lotti find themselves surrounded by wonders and whizbangs of future invention: from goggles to gears, timepieces to top hats, one might encounter both steam punks and stormtroopers at the PRF. Yet despite the sudden introduction of gunpowder, lasers, and even what a supposed doctor described as a TARDIS, the time-honored and untouchable tradition of the Ultimate Joust is how the most serious scores are settled in the Shire.

A famous Queen once said, “If I could turn back time... if I could find a way..." That Royal Chrononaut was not our dear Elizabeth I, but rather, the Queen of Pop herself: Cher. Those words have never been more true today (or tomorrow?) as we find ourselves returning full circle to the challenges issued at the beginning of the festival day, eight full hours ago from when our adventure began. In a thrilling time loop that revisits the tension between the two top contenders to our dear Queen Elizabeth I's throne, Lady Arbella of Stuart versus James VI of Scotland, we make our way to Bosworth Field for the concluding battle.

6 p.m.

After spending a full day traversing the festival grounds, dining on delectable dishes, and imbibing in brews, festival-goers may be surprised to realize that there are still acres of unexplored property in Mount Hopeshire.

"But Ax and Lotti," one might ask, "how is it possible that there is an entire battlefield within the Shire? Wouldn't we have walked past it at some point?"

Nay, dear traveler. There is yet much to be discovered in the Shire. Do not confuse the Chess Board in the middle of the Shire with the battlefield known as Bosworth Field, which lies in the eastern corner of the fairgrounds. One must continue past the Absinthe Garden bearing left and must not go up the hill! Should one come from the direction of Little Bavaria in the Shire, head down the hill through the shady lane and bear right to approach the only public gateway to Bosworth Field. Along the way, look for the small beverage shack called Broken Lance Libations (a good place as any for beer and cider, and with usually a shorter line when not preceding the joust) and continue through into the spacious land of Bosworth Field. 

Upon entering, one might pause a moment to look over to the left where it should be noted that the more serious archery competitions are tucked away, not far from the battlefield itself but indeed a far cry from the lesser sports of the Gaming Glen. (Here in this oft-overlooked nook, one might also encounter Drabbits for purchase or observation!) In the open area of the field, the tourney grounds shall be straight ahead with wooden benches in rows. Some of these benches are blessedly under the shade of a few scant trees, though most will be in full sun. (Sun-sensitive viewers and vampires are advised to arrive early, shouldst thou wish to seek shelter in the shadows' embrace.) Viewers are also welcome to lounge on the grass to the sides of the battlefield, and this vantage point provides quick access for those who may wish to bestow their favor (for coin, of course) upon a knight prior to the battle.

This is by far the largest-scale production at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. During the next hour, the crowd is divided into factions: those loyal to the crown and those supporting the treacherous usurpers (like Sir Lilith, a villainous favorite). Tensions quickly escalate and before you know it what started as a jousting completion has unfolded into a feudal fisticuffs: thunderous explosions, flames shooting up and bodies are literally flying off the balconies. The stunt work and theatrics are pretty amazing and those experiencing this for the first time are usually visibly surprised at the level of insanity that takes place on the battlefield at such a rapid pace. Before you know it, our Queen herself is brandishing a sword, surrounded by her knights as she fights for her life.

Bonus: Getting in to Character

Those who are or are not fans of George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones (GoT) series may enjoy A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is a stand-alone prequal to events in the land of Westeros. Yet unlike the GoT series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms follows an extremely narrow time period focusing on the preparations of an aspiring knight, Duncan, as he readies to fight in a tournament battle that he hopes will help him to finally win fame, fortune, and respect. Aided by an unlikely squire, Duncan learns for better and for worse what it truly means to be a knight of the seven kingdoms. Competition events in the tournament are highlighted throughout several episodes, which devote time and storytelling that go beyond a few simple sword scenes. Issues of rank, honor, birthright, battles, sport, armor, horses, strength, and responsibility are explored-- matters far beyond a simple joust, but with exciting action scenes and emotional weight that help viewers to more fully appreciate the gravitas of what is always more than a mere joust.