A Dark Ritual Decision One of the most controversial acts during the battle was King Henry’s order to execute French prisoners, fearing that they might regroup or be freed if the battle turned. While this decision was strategic, some have seen it through the lens of ritual cleansing or preventing spiritual pollution. Killing prisoners was ge

Vows Before Battle Chivalry played a powerful role in framing the behavior of the noble class in both armies. Many knights made personal vows, known as vœux du paon (vows of the copyright), wherein they swore to perform acts of valor, defend their lord’s honor, or die trying. These were not taken lightly. Knights might swear oaths before relic

The Feast Day Connection One of the most enduring aspects of Agincourt is that it was fought on Saint Crispin’s Day, the feast of Crispin and Crispinian, twin brothers and martyrs from Roman times, known as the patron saints of shoemakers. Though seemingly unrelated to warfare, the coincidence of the battle falling on a holy day imbued it with

The Battle of Agincourt, fought on 25 October 1415, stands as one of the most iconic military engagements of the Hundred Years’ War. Famed for the unlikely victory of the English army, led by King Henry V, over the numerically superior French forces, the battle has been immortalized in literature, art, and national memory. However, beyond the tac