Would You Thrive in Medieval Times?

By: Teresa M.

5 Min Quiz

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

Do you have what it takes to thrive in medieval times? Let’s face it! Not all of us are cut out to storm castles and raise our own food. Some of us are far better off living by the glow of our screens and monitors and never have to use a chamber pot!

Imagine yourself living by candlelight and working in service to royalty. It’s guaranteed that your current skill set would need to be broad for you to have survived back then. If you’re not used to back-breaking labor, it might have been difficult for you to make it through such tough times when everything was done without the aid of modern technologies. Are you strong enough to support the weight of an armored suit or would a chainmail vest weigh you to the ground?

Pull the hood up on your cloak and tell us how you would respond to living in a visceral world full of swords and dysentery. We’ll let you know if you have what it take to survive, thrive, or kick the bucket in the medieval world. We don’t mind at all if you take the quiz with a turkey leg in hand!

Do you have a green thumb?

I can grow a few things.

I like to plant flowers.
I'm horrible at gardening.

I can grow succulents.

What would have been your medieval job?

Blacksmith

Clergy
Fish monger

Baker

Which medieval food sounds tastiest?

Porridge

Cabbage
Meat

Cheese

Would you make a good swordsman?

I would make a better Ninja.

I would be hard to beat.
Absolutely not!

I guess I would have to find out.

How do you think you would look in a suit of armor?

I would look dapper.

I would look like a sausage wrapped in aluminum foil.
I would look tough.

I would look hot!

What part of a medieval woman's outfit would you like to try?

Pelice

Chemise
I wouldn't look good in women's clothing.

Mantle

Would you be comfortable using a chamber pot?

Gross!

You have to do what you have to do.
I'll do my business where ever I must.

No way!

How many Renaissance fairs have you attended?

3 or more

2
1

0

Do you know how to build a fire?

I know how to use fire starter logs.

I'm sure I could figure it out.
I'm an expert at making fire.

I have no idea how to start a fire.

Which medieval beast sounds the most frightening?

Barnacle Goose

Ettin
Gryllus

Lamia

Are you good with animals?

I avoid animals.

I'm good with cats.
I'm good with dogs.

Well, I deal with my family.

Which medieval royal sounds the coolest?

Edward IV

Henry VIII
Edward I

Edward II

What room would you want to yourself in a medieval castle?

I would want a private spa room.

I would like to have a craft room.
I need a gaming room.

I would want a private lavoratory.

What kind of medieval shoe are you most likely to wear?

Viking boots

Roman sandals
Banded combat boots

Jackboots

Would you be able to do any of your current job by candlelight?

I could do most of it by candlelight.

That would be a nightmare.
I could do some of it by candlelight.

No, I need bright lights.

Could you give up all your devices for a week?

Heck, no!

I could easily do it.
I would struggle with that, but I could do it.

I have no desire to do that.

How often do you bath?

Once a week

Every other day
Every day

Less than once a week

Would you like to try jousting?

Jousting is not my style.

It's a lot of fun.
I've jousted with paper towel rolls.

I would be up for trying it.

Do you own an hooded capes?

I have one.

I have a couple.
I do not own any.

I would love to have one!

Would you say you are squeamish?

Smells really bother me.

I'm not all that squeamish.
The sight of blood makes me queasy.

Things like spoiled milk make me gag.

How many children would you like to have?

I'm okay without children.

I would need enough of them to run a farm.
I would like a couple.

I would like a few dozen.

Could you handle working on a farm?

No, thank you.

I would like to try.
I grew up on a farm.

I think I would be a great farm hand.

Are you a big wine drinker?

I love wine.

I drink big glasses of wine.
I don't like wine very much.

White wine is okay.

What would you fill a moat with?

Kayaks

Alligators
Sewer

Lilypads

What trait would you share with a medieval knight?

Toughness

Loyalty
Fearlessness

Leadership qualities

What medieval musical instrument would you like to learn?

Lute

Harp
Bladder pipe

Cornamuse

Which medieval collectible would you like to have hanging on your wall?

Wizard pipe

Excalibur sword
English longbow

Throwing axe

Do you believe in magic?

No, but I like that song.

I believe there are dark forces that can be trapped.
I believe in Houdini style magic.

I don't rule it out.

What emblem would you have put on a medieval shield?

Cross

Four-leaf clover
Rainbow

Lion

Do you carve the turkey at Thanksgiving?

I don't eat meat.

I rip it apart limb by limb.
I have decent turkey carving skills.

I always carve the turkey.

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!