History of French Duel

In France, dueling has a history of five centuries. Some people regard these nobles who care about dignity as murderers or suicides, while others remember this golden age of "people know how to make people respect" from the perspective of tradition and aesthetics. /kloc-a jurist in the 0/7th century said that duel is "a criminal act very similar to heroic deeds".

Fight for a little thing.

Such scenes often happen: the two sides are riding horses and holding spears, fighting on the battlefield designated by the French king, and the king is present at the battle. In the solemn ceremony of the religious ceremony, everyone waited for three shouts that resounded through the sky: "Let the warriors fight!" " Killing sometimes ends with the death of one party and sometimes with the "stop" of the king. 1642, Henry II spoke too slowly and didn't stop in time, so that a favorite died in front of him.

On the banks of the Seine in Paris, there is a clearing near Saint-Germain Monastery, where Parisians wash their shame early in the morning. Put the armor of both sides aside, put on shirts or tights and pose. /kloc-in the 0/8th century, the duelist had a dagger in his left hand and a sword in his right hand; By the19th century, pistols were mainly used. In addition to both sides of the duel, there are also representatives of both sides to participate in the duel. This position is both glorious and dangerous, because sometimes you can't help but help. Later, the deputy was changed into a witness, which played the role of mediation and arbitration. Duels usually stop at the sight of blood, but the strong won't let go and the weak will die.

17 and 18 centuries are the golden age of dueling. Dueling is for women first, and many cheated husbands and jealous lovers die because they can't tolerate the injury to their self-esteem. Followed by public insults, litigation disputes, propaganda ... At that time, duels were often for small things, such as the voice overwhelming each other, stepping on each other's feet, peeking at each other ... or dueling for no reason.

These two duelists appear on dating websites at dawn, usually without hatred or resentment, just to solve the "reputation struggle". They know that a person will die, but the "shame" can only be eliminated through bloodshed, otherwise they can't survive in society. They came from the same family, even friends, and spent the last night in the same house or even in the same bed. On the eve of the duel, the aristocratic habit is to play a game of cards, celebrate with friends, drink some wine to drive away fear, read an interesting novel and have a good sleep. At dawn, have a cup of espresso, take a carriage to the meeting, and then wait calmly for the plain "gentlemen, please"

The phenomenon of "nobility" that is forbidden but not stopped.

French courts unanimously opposed this practice. 1602, forbidden by Henry IV. During the period from1602 to1723, the French court issued eight imperial edicts, and all violators were put to death. However, some of the executors acted, and the king was helpless and could not eliminate this "aristocratic" social phenomenon. Parliament, juries and kings often receive letters of intercession, and the fighter can take refuge in other provinces for a period of time at most, or let his simulacra hang on the gallows.

By the end of17th century, philosophers in the enlightenment period had theoretically refuted the reasons and motives of dueling, and looked at the problem from social effects, pain and death, which made dueling lose most of its charm.

After the baptism of 1789 revolution, the identity of fighters changed, and the participants were mainly military and political journalists. In peacetime, duel is undoubtedly the best substitute for war, and soldiers who are extremely bored, red-eyed and drunk enjoy it. Politicians think it is vulgar to use a knife and gun to corrupt, but it is glorious to hit the chest with a sword or bullet for their own party and ideas. Political turmoil, election conflicts and other events are fertile ground for dueling.

Duels often make headlines.

/kloc-in the 20th century, mass media became the "fourth force" on the political stage. Newspapers often debate, abuse, and anger after embarrassment can also lead to duels. If there are two celebrity face to face, one of them died of serious injuries, it would be even more gratifying headlines.

Later, the duel became a publicity stunt, and the newspapers made a lot of noise, but no one was killed or injured on the field, and the masses gradually lost interest; A new generation of politicians use more effective methods to solve disputes, such as campaigning, abuse and threats, and slapping in the face when fighting.

Recently, a high-profile duel took place between Russian-born dancer Serge Rifa and the head of the ballet company Count Guvas. The time was 1958. These two literary celebrities not only know how to create a sensation, but also are good at saving their lives. When they stopped in a duel, the result was naturally happy.