Hollywood's Cavalry Charges vs. Medieval Reality

A new analysis by The Collector debunks Hollywood's depiction of medieval cavalry charges, arguing that real combat relied on psychology and discipline rather than brute force. Historian Sir John Keegan noted that horses naturally refuse to charge into dense infantry, as seen at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, where the Anglo-Saxon shield wall repelled Norman cavalry. Successful charges depended on breaking enemy morale, not physical collision. Cavalry would feign retreat to lure infantry out of formation, then attack. Mass and momentum were key, but charges were slow and disciplined, with lances presented at the last moment. The article uses examples from the Bayeux Tapestry and paintings by Hans Krell to illustrate historical accuracy.