How far should one go for honor? A duel was a voluntary and codified combat between two individuals, usually armed with swords or pistols, organized in the presence of witnesses known as seconds. It was not an impulsive act, but a ritual meant to repair an offense to honor, at a time when male reputation was considered more valuable than life itself. Originating from the medieval trial by combat, the duel was based on the belief that truth or justice would be revealed through confrontation. From