What is a medieval knight? A knight is a fighter on horseback, a war professional who very often belongs to the nobility. He must own his weapons and his horse and train for combat. To become a knight, he must follow a long apprenticeship which begins very early. The formation of the knight In medieval society, knights were recruited among young nobles. They are placed with an experienced knight, who becomes their godfather. There they learn the craft of arms. At 7 years old, the future knight is first of all a rascal. He takes care of the horses and cleans the stables. Then it becomes page. He is initiated into combat with wooden weapons. He serves his master, and sometimes he also learns to read and write. At 14 the page becomes a squire, which means the one who wears the shield, that is to say the shield of the knight he serves. He also helps his godfather put on his armor. He practices fighting with a spear and a sword. He accompanies his master in tournaments and on the battlefields. Around the age of 21, if the squire has shown his bravery and if he has the financial means, he can become a knight during the dubbing ceremony. the dubbing ceremony The dubbing is the official ceremony during which the squire is made a knight. From the 12th century, the church will codify the ritual. First a purification ritual. The day before, the future knight is dressed in white after taking a bath. Then he must fast and spend a night praying in a chapel. During the ceremony, the knight must take an oath on the gospels. Then he receives a sword and golden spurs. He kneels in front of his godfather, who taps him on both shoulders with the flat of his sword, this is called colée. The knight can then enter the service of a lord of which he becomes the vassal. The knight's oath - defend the weak, orphans and widows - live in purity - render justice - protect the church - serve its lord and its king The spirit of chivalry In the middle of the 11th century, to curb violence, the church will put in place rules, such as the truce of God, which prohibits war during the periods before Christmas and before Easter. The church even tries to ban fights on certain days of the week, especially Sunday. It will gradually impose rules of conduct on combatants. The knight is at the service of God and the people, he must protect the weak and maintain order. He is forbidden to attack church people, laborers, merchants and pilgrims. He should neither destroy churches and mills, nor kill plowing animals. Thus will appear the spirit of chivalry which follows a morality and an ideal of life. The knight's qualities loyalty - honor - courage - generosity The knight 's armament Armament is expensive. To become a knight, you must have enough money to buy your horse and your weapons. The steed is the knight's war horse. It is chosen with great care. The steed must be able to carry the knight with his armor, i.e. more than 100 kg. The horse can also be protected by a mesh shell or armour. The knight has to fight with a spear and a long sword, a noble weapon par excellence. The techniques of combat on horseback are perfected throughout the Middle Ages. The armament also evolves, thus the armor such as one generally represents it dates only from the 15th century. The knight wears a hauberk, a metal mesh tunic. A helmet and shield complete the package. The first knights Hauberk: coat of mail that protects the body and the head Spear: this very old weapon measures 3 meters in the 10th century. It is used to charge the enemy to unhorse him. A steel guard will be added to protect the knight's hand. Gambeson: thick linen dress which helps to soften the opponent's blows. Metal mesh leggings Spurs Appearance of armor In the 15th century, rich knights were protected by armor made of metal plates. It is expensive and weighs an average of 25 kg. Helmet or helm Shield or shield: It protects against blows and bears the knight's coat of arms, which makes it possible to identify him although we cannot see his face. Gauntlet: It protects the hand. Sword: it is the knight's weapon par excellence. She weighs about 2 pounds. The other weapons of the knight The battle axe: it is a powerful and efficient shock weapon. It is designed for close combat. The mace: It is composed of a handle and a head furnished with points. It has been used since the 12th century to knock out one's adversary. She can smash a skull through a helm. The flail: With its wooden handle equipped with a metal chain on which is hung an iron mass, this weapon is particularly destructive for hauberks. The knight who risks his life to protect others does not work and does not pay taxes. In times of peace, to amuse himself but especially to train, the knight takes part in tournaments and hunts.