Medieval castles have long captured the imagination, often depicted as grand, impenetrable fortresses filled with knights and royalty. However, Hollywood’s portrayal of these iconic structures is often far from reality.
The reality of medieval castles is far more nuanced and practical than the dramatic versions shown in Hollywood. By debunking these myths, we can better appreciate the true history and significance of these remarkable structures.
1. Castles Were Always Massive and Luxurious
Hollywood often shows castles as enormous, luxurious palaces with vast rooms and elaborate decorations. In reality, many medieval castles were relatively small, functional, and built for defense rather than comfort. While some royal residences were grand, most castles had simple interiors, cold stone walls, and basic furnishings.
2. Moats Were Filled with Crocodiles or Boiling Oil
The idea of moats filled with dangerous creatures or boiling oil is pure fantasy. Moats were typically water-filled ditches used as a defensive barrier to slow down attackers, making it difficult for them to reach the castle walls. While some moats were dry, none contained crocodiles or boiling substances.
3. Castles Were Impenetrable Fortresses
While castles were designed to be formidable, they were not invulnerable. Many castles fell to sieges, starvation, or even betrayal from within. Siege engines, tunneling, and other tactics were often effective in breaching castle defenses. Over time, advancements in weaponry, such as cannons, rendered many castles obsolete.
4. Knights in Shining Armor Guarded Every Castle
The image of knights in full armor patrolling castle walls is more a product of legend than reality. While some castles had knights, the majority were guarded by ordinary soldiers, archers, and watchmen. Knights were typically more involved in military campaigns and feudal duties rather than day-to-day castle defense.
5. Castles Had Lavish Banquet Halls with Endless Feasts
Hollywood loves to depict grand banquet halls filled with endless food and merriment. In truth, medieval feasts were occasional and reserved for special events. Most daily meals in castles were simple, and food scarcity was common. Banquet halls did exist but were often used for gatherings, meetings, or court sessions.
6. Castles Were Always Dark and Gloomy
While many castles were indeed dimly lit due to small windows and thick walls, they were not always the dark, gloomy places seen in films. People made use of candles, torches, and hearths to light and warm the interiors. Some castles were also painted with bright colors to make them more lively.
7. Dungeons Were Filled with Torture Devices
The notion that every castle had a dungeon filled with torture devices is largely exaggerated. While some castles did have prisons or holding cells, the widespread use of torture devices is more a product of later periods and sensationalized stories. Many prisoners were simply kept in basic cells, with torture being a rare and extreme measure.
8. Castles Were Only Built in Europe
Although medieval Europe is famous for its castles, similar fortified structures were built around the world, including in Japan, the Middle East, and India. These castles, while culturally distinct, served similar purposes of defense and residence for nobility and rulers.
9. Castles Were Self-Sufficient Fortresses
Movies often depict castles as completely self-sufficient, able to withstand long sieges without outside support. In reality, castles relied heavily on the surrounding lands and villages for food, resources, and labor. During sieges, castles often faced severe shortages, and starvation was a common cause of surrender.
10. Every Castle Had a Secret Escape Tunnel
The trope of secret escape tunnels is a favorite in Hollywood, but in reality, very few castles had such features. While some castles did have hidden passages or postern gates for strategic retreats, the vast majority did not have elaborate escape routes. These were more the exception than the rule.
11. All Castles Were Built of Stone
Hollywood almost always shows castles as grand stone fortresses, but in the early medieval period, many castles were made of wood and earth. These “motte and bailey” castles were quicker and cheaper to build but were eventually replaced by stone structures for better durability and defense.
12. Castles Were Always in Ruins
Modern films often portray castles as crumbling ruins, evoking a sense of mystery and decay. However, during their time, castles were bustling centers of power, often well-maintained and fully functional. The ruins we see today are the result of centuries of abandonment, warfare, and natural decay.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
