The Life of a Knight 🏇
Knights were the medieval era's elite warriors, often associated with chivalry and a code of conduct emphasizing bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallant behavior. Becoming a knight involved years of training, beginning as a page and progressing to a squire before the final ceremony of becoming a knight.
Training and Dubbing ⚔️
A young boy of noble birth would start as a page, learning basics of courtly behavior and fundamental combat skills. By adolescence, he would become a squire, serving a knight while enhancing his martial abilities. The culmination of this training was the knighting ceremony, a ceremonial dubbing that instructed one to live by the knightly virtues.
Chivalric Code ✨
Chivalry was the code of conduct by which knights lived. It called for courage, honor, wisdom, and the protection of those weaker. Knights were also expected to be loyal to their lords. The literature of the time, such as the Arthurian legends, romanticized these ideals and spread them throughout medieval society.
Notable Knights 🛡️
- Sir Lancelot: One of the most famous knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, known for his unparalleled skills and complicated love life.
- William Marshal: A real-life English knight who served four kings and earned a reputation as one of the greatest knights.
- Joan of Arc: Although not technically a knight, her commanding presence and battlefield success during the Hundred Years War is legendary.