Introduction

Medieval reenactment appeared in Latvia somewhere in 1999. First members were from role players, young people, who decided not only to study history in theory, but also bring in to life in historical reenactment of medieval times.

Researching the object of reenactment includes following steps:

- Choose epoch and region.

- Choose profession.

- Research options selected.

- Recreate items, cloth, armor and weapons etc.

With the choice of epoch, people divided on to those, who begun to study early medieval times (8-10 century’s) and those who chose middle ages 11 – 13th century’s. By professions everyone chose area that is best suited for his heart. Some became warriors, knights and archers, others craftsman’s and traders. Everyone found a place in reenactment movement. The most troublesome step was to research your selected character. There was almost no information available; there was no experience of how to find such information and so a great hunt has begun. Hunt for knowledge: patters of cloth, shoes, armor, items; information of way of life, rules and laws. Everything that was found was a victory and a celebration. People went offshore to take photos of medieval paintings, books, architecture and so on.

As movement grew, clubs and yearly medieval festivals became to appear in Latvia. People came there to share their achievements, to discuss many questions about medieval times. Although first festivals were civilian only, soon knights and warriors begun to arrange tournaments. Strength, endurance, skill, bravery and honor of participants were checked in a tournament fights. Knight fought for a lovely lady, warrior to prove his skill and bravery, archers were competing in their marksmanship skills, feasts were hold, where people could relax under medieval music and with a cup of honey beer. International tournaments were hold. To win such a tournament, people had to practice a lot in their skill with sword or bow, keep themselves in good physical condition, working with different sports.

Items, cloth, shoes, armor and weapons were made by using only medieval technique.

Most of us never worked with smith hammer or were sewing cloth, so we had to learn how to do so.Those skills can help you in other aspects of you life.

"I have joined reenactment movement in 2004. Since childhood I was attracted to medieval times: big and strong knights in shiny armor, lovely princesses, large castles and fearsome battles. My first cloth and armor set were for a citizen of Riga of 15-th century. Gothic plate armor. Although it had a lot of mistakes in its construction, but I was so happy and thus I didn’t see them.

I still remember the first time I putted my armor on. My mother and father helped me, not only to put my armor on, but in all my aspiration considering reenactment. I’m very grateful for that. Reenactment changed my life, it took me away from street gang I was in for long time, it changed my character completely and I’m sure it saved me from a dark deeds. Armor was very heavy and bulky, it weighted almost 40 kilos, I could barley raise a sword, but I waited for my first fight full of enthusiasm. It happened that my first fight was not in tournament where knight fight one on one, it was a massive melee fight.

We formed a double line in front of our enemies; I was most armored so our commander placed me in first line on left flank, where strongest enemy fighters were concentrated. The horn sounded advance and we begun to approach enemy lines. Everything went quite and world around me slowed down, with every step we made. I could hear how my heart is beating and my heavy breath. Heat and weight of armor was forgotten. My view met the eyes of enemy fighter, we were marching straight one on other. The battle between two of us already begun in that moment. I could see dedication to win in his eyes, yet he was not willing to hurt me, we were not at real war, so responsibility for your opponent was in bigger part on you. Few more steps and we were in range of a sword. I covered with my shield to protect from halberds and raised my sword to strike. Battle begun and a wave of adrenaline rush on me. I felt no pain, no fatigue, and no fear. Battle lasted several minutes, screams, sound of scorching metal, someone was hitting you, and you were hitting someone, complete chaos. War is not so romantic in the end, yet only in honorable battle you can prove your valor. We won. People sad, that I returned completely other man. For the rest of the evening, on traditional feast I sat quietly, thinking of my life, of how valuable it is and that I should put the time given to me in this world for a better use, than to hang with some gangs. I have joined a reenactment club “Excalibur” where I found new friends and new life goal.

Should you fell upon burden of this life, do not despair. There always are people who can bring light in to your life, even if it is dark or gray, just find a little strength in yourselves to try to find them.

I have changed my life with joining reenactment of medieval times, and I have found there a girl of my heart with that I have found peace for my soul and mind. "