THE SCENE: Violence was never far away in medieval society, even when you were a king, simply enjoying a jolly and carefree dance.
THE TEXT: As they were dancing most merrily in the hall, a strange new thing happened: a man walked into the hall. This man was tall and handsome, wearing a scarlet tunic and a silver belt and a gold band around his forehead. He was unarmed, and he went dancing like the others, until he came before the king. Then he raised his fist and punched the king in the nose so fast that three teeth flew out of his mouth. Blood gushed from the king’s nose and mouth, and he collapsed unconscious.
– The Saga of Bosi and Herraud, 14th Century AD
