With the popularity of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, it kind of feels like we’re truly having a Medieval moment. You might even say that kings and queens and knights and dragons are experiencing a renaissance (see what I did there?). Of course, even in the absence of those HBO stalwarts, people have always been interested in the Middle Ages, which is why renaissance fairs and the like exist.

I’m sure there are a plethora of options out there for one seeking such an experience, but one spot that does it right is Medieval Times in Dallas. On a recent trip into the heart of Texas — that American heartland where, ‘tis said, everything is bigger — I had the chance to feast with my fellow countrymen and women as the finest knights in all the land took part in various challenges, and then jousted (yes, really) until one stood above all the rest.

If you don’t know a thing about Medieval Times, which also has locations in a few other American cities, your first thought upon encountering it alongside the highway leading into downtown Dallas might be: “Why the hell is there a Medieval castle in the middle of the city?” A rational line of thinking, to be sure, because why the hell, indeed?

The why is because people love this stuff, thus making it easily accessible to as many people as possible, such as by being located in a major metro area, is advantageous for all involved. And once you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’ll understand why so many are drawn to the majesty and enchantment contained within.

The evening begins by crossing the drawbridge over the mote, where after you are promptly ushered into a lobby/vestibule-type area called the Hall of Arms. Here, the drinks flow freely (but not that kind of free; you still need to get your wallet out) and the Medieval paraphernalia for sale — light-up swords, plastic goblets, and the like — is seemingly in endless supply. As you come in, you and the rest of the people in your party are given paper crowns that signify with which knight your loyalty lies, as well as who your allies are.

The lineup includes the Green Knight of León, the Red & Yellow Knight of Perelada, the Red Knight of Castilla, the Blue Knight of Valiente, the Yellow Knight of Nevarre, and the Black & White Knight (whose homeland is not listed #sorry). I’m not sure if alliances vary from show to show, but on the night we were there the Red & Yellow Knight was paired with the Blue and Green knights, while the Black & White Knight had friends in the Red and Yellow knights. (And if you’re finding it difficult to follow along with all these colors, that’s okay; we forgive you).

After a bit of socializing with the rest of the lords and ladies in the Hall of Arms, it’s time to enter the arena. You are seated in your chosen knight’s section along with your fellow countrymen and women, and the feast, which consists of garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, buttered corn on the cob, and herb-roasted potatoes, begins almost immediately. While the menu is nearly always the same, they do offer various options for those with dietary restrictions (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free), as well.

But enough about the food, let’s get to the action! As you’re being served, the Master of Horse gets things started by introducing the queen and each of the knights, who are of course accompanied by loud cheers from the devoted fans in their designated sections, some of whom will have likely purchased little flags from the Hall of Arms to wave in support of their chosen hero.

Not long after introductions are out of the way, a series of skills competitions commence, with each of the knights taking turns showing off their stuff, such as attempting to lance a small, hanging ring as they race along on their horses, or throwing a javelin at a target.

Around the time the main course is served, though, is when things really pick up, as the knights pair off and joust one another. True to House of the Dragon fashion, each of the individual battles culminates in a round of hand-to-hand combat, wherein a winner is decided. All throughout, there is commentary from the queen, her royal squire, the Master of Horse, and, eventually, the knights — one of whom emerges as the true hero and another as the de facto villain, after all of the others have fallen.

The entire experience lasts about two and a half hours, I’d estimate, and by the time all is said and done, you’re sitting there in the first stages of a food coma, perhaps buzzing hardcore from a healthy dose of adult beverages, having just taken in a spectacular show that’ll leave you wondering why we ever left the Medieval age behind.

It’s only hours later, possibly the next day even, that you’ll remember there was an unforgiving social hierarchy in place, rampant disease, and little opportunity to truly make something of yourself unless your family held a high perch to begin with.

-LTH