Service of Ladies

The vivid autobiography of a knight-errant captures the essence of chivalric life in the mid-thirteenth century. It recounts Ulrich von Liechtenstein's 1226 'journey of Venus,' where he boasts of breaking 307 spears in jousts over a month, blending entertainment with a nod to the conventions of courtly love. While some details may be exaggerated for effect, the narrative is rich with lively episodes, verses dedicated to his lady, and reflects the ideal of a knight's career in jousting. The story resonates with modern audiences, notably inspiring the film 'A Knight's Tale.'