Labyrinths and labyrinths have a long and interesting history and everyone is familiar with the story of the Minotaur in the Knossos Labyrinth. This is the famous myth of the labyrinth in which people would be sacrificed. The hero Theseus killed the Minotaur and found his way back by following a line of rope that he uncoiled as he entered.
Regardless of how true this myth is or whether the labyrinth of Knossos actually existed, labyrinths hold a mysterious place and have often been integrated into the construction of castles and cathedrals, both indoors and outdoors. And there is much speculation as to its purpose. Actually, there are several different theories and it is likely that its purpose has changed over the centuries.
One of the most important aspects of a medieval castle was security. They were built with maximum safety and security in mind, and this is where a maze or labyrinth can fulfill this need. It is theorized, and it makes sense, that mazes were often a way to confuse attacking forces. Soldiers entering a maze could easily become disoriented and lost.
Another use of the labyrinth is shown in the labyrinth below the Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary. It consists of a network of caves and tunnels totaling more than six miles long. An extensive network like this served as a good hideout in times of attack and a good place to meet in secret.
In the 12th century, the purpose and construction of labyrinths changed and many churches and castles were designed with labyrinths that were built directly into the ground or wall. These labyrinths were used as a way to meditate, undertake spiritual contemplation, or simulate a pilgrimage. This type of labyrinth or labyrinth was very popular in 12th century Italy and France. The oldest surviving labyrinth of its kind is the labyrinth of Chatres Cathedral in France, which was built into the stone floor of the cathedral around the 12th century.
In Britain, the religious style of maze was never very popular, but they developed their own form and style of outdoor maze that used hedges, trees, or grass. These served a variety of functions, including re-enactment and testing horse riding skills. This tradition of hedge mazes continues today and there are many castles that still have them open to the public. Some of the most famous include the Hampton Court Palace Maze and the Leeds Castle Maze.
Lawn mazes are another style of outdoor maze that was very popular in Britain. These were labyrinths or labyrinths that were created using grass or grass and being only a few inches high, it was not possible to get lost in them. They are like a cross between hedge mazes and painted mazes. One of the most famous lawn mazes still in existence today is Saffron Walden’s maze, located in the grounds of the ruined Walden Castle in England.
Medieval castles have a long history of being places of safety and mystery and it is only natural that this mystery is furthered by the use of mazes and labyrinths. And these interesting structures had a wide variety of purposes, from military to spiritual; And while not much is known about the why of these structures, it’s quite fitting because mystery and secrecy are, after all, at the heart of every labyrinth.