Reality vs. Cinema: Medieval Myths Debunked
The Middle Ages have been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for fantasy films and series. However, the big screen often sacrifices historical accuracy for the sake of spectacle. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths and tell you what things were really like.
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“The armor was unbearably heavy!”
Movie myth: Knights can barely move under the weight of steel plates weighing over 80 kg.
Historical reality:
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The typical full suit of armour of the 15th century weighed between 20 and 25 kg, distributed evenly over the whole body.
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A trained knight could run, ride, and fight with great agility. The articulated plates allowed for easy flexion of the knees, elbows, and waist.
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In fact, armor forged by Italian and German master gunsmiths is considered a marvel of engineering for its ergonomics.
“They all lived in gloomy, damp castles.”
Cinematic myth: Except for the great hall, the rest of the castle is a succession of dark dungeons, with rats and mold everywhere.
Historical reality:
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Only the nobility and part of their retinue lived in the main tower; the rest of the population (serfs, artisans) lived in villages or towns next to the castle.
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The noble rooms were usually well lit and ventilated, with large windows (often protected by wooden shutters), decorated fireplaces and carpets.
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Cleanliness was maintained as much as resources allowed; stone and wood were swept and sprayed with heather smoke to ward off insects.
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“Hygiene was non-existent”
Movie myth: Nobody took baths and everyone smelled awful all the time.
Historical reality:
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Although modern showers did not exist, there were communal wooden baths (portable bathtubs) and thermal pools in some cities inspired by Roman tradition.
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Sensitive body parts (hands, face, and feet) were washed daily with bowls of warm water. The upper class even had servants in charge of washing their hair and bodies.
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Soap was made primarily from animal fat and wood ash; it was expensive, but widely used among the wealthy classes.
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“The swords cut the bad guys in half with a single slash.”
Cinematic myth: One shot and boom! Two perfectly separated halves.
Historical reality:
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Medieval swords were designed to cut and pierce, but breaking a human body in two would require strength, sharpness, and precision impossible even for a seasoned warrior.
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Actual combat was brutal and prolonged: steel bounced off armor or bone, and more often than not ended in thrusts, blocks, and hand-to-hand wrestling to bring the opponent down.
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The blades were tempered to provide a balance between hardness (to maintain an edge) and flexibility (to prevent breaking).
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“Witches were burned immediately after being found.”
Cinematic myth: Anyone accused of witchcraft was dragged to the stake without mercy or trial.
Historical reality:
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In Europe, witchcraft trials reached their peak in the 16th and 17th centuries, well after the classical “Middle Ages.”
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Before the 15th century, the Church and ecclesiastical courts usually imposed penances, prayers, or exiles, rather than executions.
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Burning at the stake, although it did occur, was a last resort and strictly regulated by judicial codes; it was not an arbitrary act in the cinematic style.
“The food was bland and monotonous”
Cinematic myth: Hard bread, watery soup and little else.
Historical reality:
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At noble banquets, menus included imported spices (cloves, black pepper, saffron) highly valued for their aroma and flavor.
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There was a wide variety of meats (pork, game, poultry), stews with legumes, dried fruits and cakes filled with meat and spices.
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Even peasants enjoyed pottages (thick stews of vegetables and grains) and fresh dairy products during harvest time.
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Medieval cinema repurposes myths to add spectacle and drama, not to educate. The authentic Middle Ages were much richer than what screens usually portray: agile knights in ingenious armor, luminous castles, cleansing rituals, and flavorful dishes. Don't miss our blog to continue learning, and of course, visit our store!
