Of travel and women

Ulrich’s journey, women, the tournament that never was

In protective armor, armed with lances and swords, on noble horses: Eight knights will take part in the tournament at the end of July, which has become legendary thanks to the minned poet.(Bild: LuciusSvobodus)

In 430 verses, Ulrich von Lichtenstein tells of the knights' tournament in Friesach, which he claims to have attended on a Minne journey to a lady. This year, 800 years later, it is being re-enacted - in memory of the legendary tournament of 1224, which, however, never took place ...

"They fought all day and everyone found what they wanted: some fought in high spirits, others only for the prize, and many a knight rode the joust(the lance fight, note) only for the noble, beautiful women." Ulrich von Lichtenstein (around 1200-1275) wrote the lyrical poem "Frauendienst" in 1255, describing the tournament in Friesach in 430 verses.