The ideal Knight

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* Land ruled by numerous chiefs –at times united mostly commonly at odds with one another.
Society was lawless and believed to lapse into barbarism. Reasons:
 Mutual jealousy/rivalry among chiefs
 Influence of the church = interpose for the protection of the weak
 Nature of man
 Generosity and sense of right negated by passion and selfishness (from this sprang
Chivalry)

 Chivalry – framed ideal of the heroic character, combining invincible strength and valor, justice, modesty, loyalty to superiors, courtesy to equals, compassion to weakness, and devotion to church.
 *An ideal, which, however difficult to actually accomplish in real life was thought to be the means of model for all knights.
 *Chivalry comes from the French word cheval , meaning horse.

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The privilege of being a knight fell upon those youths that were of high standing families and fortune. (The masses were not supplied with weapons).
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Obtained the majority of his needs and living expenses from the gratitude of those he served
– they would supply him with supplies, wants, needs, etc. depending on how valiant they were.

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In times of war a knight was responsible for the land he protected and commanding and watching over all property and possessions – to protect at all costs.
In times of peace – competed in tournaments, etc. earned trophies and recognition for his commander. He would also engage in adventures to honor his pledge – righting wrongs and enforcing the rights of the land (or of what they believed to be right), often to fulfill the love of his pledge or religion. = Knights Errant
A Knight’s presence in general was a joyous and uplifting occasion. They added an air of interest to their subjects lives – livened up the general public, places, etc. with their stories of adventure and their mannerisms.

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A knight’s life began at the age of seven (a noble child)
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He was usually removed from his father’s house and put under the care of a governor employed by their future employer/master

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The governor was responsible for providing the page with religious etiquette (respect and reverence for their lords and ladies) **similar to a knight’s finishing school
Also taught them the proprieties of custom, ceremonies, etc.
At this age they were commonly referred to as a page or valet
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Their first duties included carving meat, waiting at table, and other menial tasks as instructed by their master (not considered humiliating at that time).
They usually spent their leisurely hours learning to dance, play harp, hunt, navigation (mapping), fishing, wrestling, falconry, jousting, and various other horse military exercises.

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At a age 14 – became an esquire and began his course as a swordsman
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Learns to vault on a horse, scale walls, run all in heavy armor, wield a battle-axe without raising visor, wrestle and to perform all the evolutions of horsemanship with grace.
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In the same castle where they received their education they were encouraged to choose a lady of the court to pledge their service to – all their words, sentiments, and actions were directed.
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The service of his mistress was the glory and chief
occupation of a knight – the ultimate reward for his valor would be her smiles of affection and gratitude.

“In the name of God, of St. Michael, and St. George,
I make thee a knight; be valiant, courteous, and loyal.”
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* At age 21 one reached full knighthood – their/his education was complete and they were knighted.

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Fasted for a week
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Spent several nights in prayer, confessed sins and received the sacrament
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Clothed himself in white garments and sword around his neck that he has blessed by the priest in the hall where the ceremonies were to take place.

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Candidate then knelt with folded arms before a presiding (or head) knight who questioned his motives and purposes in requesting admission to the rank of knighthood, administered him oaths and granted his knighting.
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The entire congregation then handed him his tools of the trade in succession:
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Spurs, coat of mail, hauberk, armlet and gauntlet, and lastly his girded sword.

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He then kneels in front of his master who gave him the “accolade” or three strokes upon the shoulder or neck accompanied by these words:
“In the name of God, of St.
Michael, and St. George, I make thee a knight; be valiant, courteous, and loyal.”
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He then received his helmet, shield and spear.

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Originated in France
Extremely gaudy – were very colorful and platform decorations varied in style, size and shape.
The church condemned tournaments because they usually led to fights and quarrels among knights, which most commonly ended in death.

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Knights fought with a lance and their purpose was to try and unhorse their opponent.
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Supposed to be a display of skill however more commonly attention was drawn to adhering to the regulations. These things were forbidden:
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To wound a horse
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To use the point of their sword
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Strike a knight once his visor was up and his helmet was removed.

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The ladies who bestowed the prizes such as a kiss, song or dance rewarded them.
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Every knight proclaimed his faith and service to his maiden before competing – staring into the stands where she sat renewed his strength
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In addition to looking her direction, he usually carried a favor from his maiden such as a scarf, veil, bracelet, or clasp of some sort, in which he attached to his armor or helmet.
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If these charms were lost or destroyed in battle she would send him a new favor

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Mail armor – hauberk
Name derived from maille – French word for mesh
3 main types of mail:
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Plate – solid plate metal
Scale – metal rounded “scales” lain one over the other
Chain – linked metal (like a fence)