What Is the Object of Bullfighting?

Bullfighting dates back to ancient times. Wall paintings dating to 2000 B.C. were uncovered in Crete depicting some form of bullfighting. Spain recognizes bullfighting as its national sport. As a spectator sport, bullfighting may seem cruel if thrilling. However, the matador has objectives that go beyond staying alive.

  1. Entertainment

    • The most important objective of bullfighting is entertaining the crowd. Ancient Rome began this tradition in the Colosseum, but bullfighting did not develop into the man-versus-bull saga it is today until around 1726. Francisco Romero first introduced the sword and smaller cape used before the killing of the bull around this time. Since then, bullfighting has become popular in Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Latin America.

    Killing

    • The main objective of bullfighting today is for the matador to kill a wild bull with a sword. The process of killing the bull is carried out in three phases. The matador's assistants prod the bull into charging while the matador greets the bull with a large cape and physical maneuvers, tiring the bull. In the second stage, lances are thrust into the bull's back, which causes it to charge the matador more aggressively. The third and final stage is the killing of the bull by the matador.

    The Matador

    • Besides killing the bull, the matador has other objectives that spur the crowd. The amount of applause a matador receives is based on how close to the bull's horns the matador can get without getting gored. Throughout the elaborate maneuvers the matador makes with his or her body and large cape, the matador must attempt to get as close as possible to the bull's charging head. The matador is also trying to get the bull to charge and eventually wear it down to the point where he or she can administer the final, killing blow.

    Portugal

    • Bullfighting in Portugal is done on horseback.

      Portuguese bullfighting does not include the killing of the bull and is performed on horseback. The main objective of this type of bullfighting is to demonstrate the training and elegance of the horse. The rider, or cavalier, maneuvers the horse into positions that allow the rider to thrust darts in the charging bull's back. The cavalier must give the bull the first advantage of charging before making his move with the horse. The cavalier's objective is to get as close to the charging bull as possible before having to maneuver the horse out of its way. Simultaneously, the cavalier must place a dart in the bull's back.