As a researcher of quests for hidden treasure and an avid collector of games, I love finding items which combine elements of both. I am easily drawn to games where player’s missions involve the search for, or gathering of, treasured items, like the newer games of Forbidden Island or Dragon’s Hoard.
Older games dealing with quests are even more of an attraction for me. And although the 1928 game of The Knight’s Journey by Parker Brothers, with its winding path through story land legends and goal to first reach the castle space immediately caught my eye, it was the game pieces which melted my heart.
These player’s game tokens were not merely wooden pawns or discs, but extraordinary knights in shining armor made of heavy lead. Each held their own painted shields and weapons of different colors. I knew I had to have them; for not only did The Knight’s Journey game merge my interests, but within my collection of games is a smaller collection of unique game pieces. I felt like I found the Grail. lol.
These charming knights now sit in an esteemed spot on top a book shelf in my office. They quietly stand tall and watch over the room. The large game board rises behind them and illustrates spaces on the board called the Circle of Doubt, Circle of Fear, or Circle of Indecision, to name a few. Other spaces, like the Circle of Reward or Defeated the Dragon are also found.
The questing knights and their challenging journey remind me of the many obstacles we all face during life. It seems for any great achievement, trials must first be overcome.
I know they are only game pieces but I visualize them secretly offering inspiration and encouragement. As the shelf of books they are positioned on holds my many books of research and treasure hunting stories and dares, I see them each time I take a book to explore off of it. Being knights in shining armor, I imagine the pieces whispering words to cheer the task. Words like;
“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” ~ Paulo Coelho
“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” ~ T.S. Eliot
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” ~ Moiere
“Say it, reader. Say the word ‘quest’ out loud. It is an extraordinary word, isn’t it? So small and yet so full of wonder, so full of hope.” ~ Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
“Everything you possess of skill, and wealth, and handicraft, wasn’t it first merely a thought and a quest?” ~ Rumi
Sure, I know it is just a romantic thought they guide me through my own journeys, but they are knights in shining armor and are supposed to charm. So I let them.
Reminds me of another old board game in our home, maybe the same era, maybe older—Pirates and Travelers. The game board was a map of the whole world.
That is a great game, waterhigh. Many different editions from Milton Bradley were published, beginning from 1911. Maybe I’ll write on that next….it’s a fun game to still play today.
Wrote about it here: https://mysteriouswritings.com/old-board-game-1911-pirate-and-traveler-by-milton-bradley/
Thanks Nate. There is something more magical about playing a game where the piece that represents you is more than a plain plastic pawn.
Remember playing Monopoly…..? It was a big deal which piece you chose! I like the wheelbarrow…I have no idea why…lol….
You would love working in the creative department of a business in my hometown. Although I have never entered that Willy Wonka Factory, I am sure you would have a ball creating new games, along with Mr. Fenn! It was first Milton Bradley, but now is the home of Parker Brothers/Hasbro. Only wish I could use a get out of jail free card if I need it. LOL
You are so right Mary! I would love it. I should write about this more later, but Forrest had inspired a game idea for me. We talked about it some. I call the game Fences. lol. It involves the dual quality of how a fence can be used to either keep things out or in. This went along with a line in his book where his wife, Peggy, would rather Switch than Fight. Player’s have the choice, by the use of Fences to Switch(meaning not to fight), or Fight. It’s a work in progress…..lol……
Where in the book is that about switching rather than fighting?
Hi George, page 121 of The Thrill of the Chase….~j
Mary- @ some point knowledge may be more Important than Imagination!!
I like your little knights, Jenny.
I’ve always liked the figurines in the games too. They add atmosphere.
Every once in a while I like to do a search for chess sets and look at all of the ideas people come up with.
Thanks Buckeye Bob. Do you play Chess?
At the New York ToyFair this year there was a huge company which had all chess sets using different characters for the pieces, like you say. Many took after TV shows or movies, but not all. I took a video of some of that stand, as I love creative game pieces (and like to play Chess (leisurely).
Do you happen to have the rules for this game?
Apparently George Parker liked it so much that after he died, his wife commissioned a stained-glass window for the First Church in Salem, and two games (The Knight’s Journey and Camelot) are featured in it. I haven’t been able to find out much information about The Knight’s Journey.
I should… but they aren’t with my display of the game…. let me look for them…. I have some in slipcases and filed.
And thank you so much for that information….Do you have an address for the church, as I would love to visit or learn more about it all. Do you have an article on it? I wasn’t aware it. How awesome! I knew he loved Camelot because isn’t that game a remake of Chivalry of 1888? That’s the game I would love to have…and still look for it wherever I go— hoping to come across it! It would be the ultimate treasure found!
I checked……Yes, I have the rules… 3 sets..lol… I can make a copy and send you them, if you’d like…..
Please just let me know