Awesome Nicknames From The Medieval Period
If only someone would call me one of these names
Nicknames were a common facet of royalty during the Medieval Period. This is because many monarchs had the same or similar names (Charles, Louis, Erik, Edward, Philip), which would be very confusing. Was Edward V or Edward IV the king we hated 20 years ago? Did he die before or after Philip III took over for Alfonso IX? The clever and fun solution to this problem was nicknaming. It was Edward The Timid, who we hated, and Edward The Titan, who we lionized. Obviously.
Some Medieval nicknames were unflattering or downright mean. Others were amazing.
Here are some of the greatest and most awesome Medieval nicknames ever bestowed. Let’s be honest; who wouldn’t want to be known as Bloodaxe?
The Black Prince
Edward of Woodstock was an English prince who fought gallantly in the Hundred Years’ War. He was seen as the model of chivalry, honor, and warfare—the perfect knight. He gained the nickname for two reasons. First, Edward preferred wearing black armor which caused him to stand out in battle. Second, he was…
