HowExpert Guide to Medieval Reenactment

101 Tips to Become a Medieval Reenactor, Experience the Middle Ages, and Have Fun at Renaissance Fairs

Created byHowExpert

Last updated 5/2021

English

What you'll learn

Medieval Reenactment

Course content

1 section • 9 lectures • 3h 8m total length

Chapter 1: Diving into the World of Medieval Reenactment25:00
Discover the basics of medieval reenactment, including two guiding principles: right or not at all and document everything, while exploring group types and how to choose the right fit.
Chapter 2: Building a Reenactment Persona28:17
Pick and develop a convincing medieval reenactment persona by selecting a time period, country, name, and backstory, then research with primary sources to ensure accuracy.
Chapter 3: Assembling a Soft Kit22:57
Learn to assemble a basic soft kit for medieval reenactment, focusing on tunics, hose, shoes, hood, and tools like a knife and pouch, with authentic wool or linen.
Chapter 4: Assembling a Suit of Armor39:18
Learn how to assemble a safe, functional medieval hard kit by understanding armor components—from padded armor and mail to plate, helmet, and gauntlets—plus tips on buying, making, and maintaining gear.
Chapter 5: The Basics of Medieval Combat30:17
Learn the basics of medieval combat, from choosing and wielding weapons (longswords, great swords, messers, polearms) to safety, training, and practical resources for group or solo practice.
Chapter 6: Medieval Hobbies for the Non-Combatant20:00
Explore non-combatant medieval hobbies beyond war across target sports, crafts, and activities like archery, sewing, spinning, weaving, jewelry making, painting, and cooking.
Chapter 7: Attending Your First Reenactment Event19:20
Prepare thoroughly for your first medieval reenactment by understanding public reenactments and tournaments, arranging transport and lodging, and staying in persona to educate and entertain the public.
Chapter 8: Conclusion2:29
Find your starting point in medieval reenactment, join a group, pick your era and country, craft your persona, build gear, practice safely, and attend events to learn.
About the Expert0:51
Meet Abigail Bethke, a medieval reenactment expert who wields both pen and sword, armor-clad in daily life, and shares lessons from her reenactment friends.

Requirements

None

Description

If you want to learn about medieval reenactment and experience renaissance fairs to the fullest, then get HowExpert Guide to Medieval Reenactment. You will discover 101 tips to become a medieval reenactor, experience the middle ages, and have fun at renaissance fairs.

Have you ever wanted to wield your own sword? Envied the elaborate clothing worn by renaissance fair actors? Wondered what life was truly like for the knights of the middle ages?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then medieval reenacting is for you! Medieval reenactors are individuals who closely study the traditions and practices of the middle ages. Many reenactors are particularly interested in learning medieval combat techniques, but countless prefer to reenact by recreating medieval clothes, art, writing, and recipes. Regardless of your current abilities and interests, if you have a soft spot for the fearsome knights, beautiful royalty, and awe-inspiring castles of the middle ages, then this hobby has a niche for you.

Within this detailed how-to guide, you will find all of the information you need to become an accomplished medieval reenactor. In seven short chapters, we will explore:

• The basics of medieval reenactment, including overarching guidelines and the differences between major reenactment groups

• A step-by-step process for creating your own medieval persona

• What a soft kit is and how you can go about creating one

• The best way to assemble your own suit of armor

• All of the many, many weapons wielded by medieval warriors (and modern reenactors!)

• Some dos and don’ts of attending your first reenactment event

• And much more!

Check out HowExpert Guide to Medieval Reenactment to learn how to become a medieval reenactor, experience the middle ages, and have fun at renaissance fairs!

About the Expert

Abigail Bethke couldn’t choose between the pen and the sword, so in the end, she decided to wield both! By day, she can be seen galivanting across parks and parking lots, armored from top to toe and clashing swords with her similarly armored fiancé. By night, you might find her hunched over her laptop, typing furiously amongst a pile of half-finished medieval crafts. But no matter where you run into her, she will be happy to talk your ear off about her reenactment friends and the many, many lessons they have taught her. Medieval reenactment has shaped her into the person she is today, and she is delighted to welcome you into her favorite hobby.

HowExpert publishes quick ‘how to’ guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

Who this course is for:

Medieval Reenactment Enthusiasts