A medieval knight is a fighter on horseback and a war professional, often from the nobility.
Knights must own their weapons and horses and train for combat.
Formation of Knights
Recruitment: Knights were usually young nobles placed with experienced knights (godfathers).
Apprenticeship Stages:
At Age 7: Begins as a rascal, caring for horses and cleaning stables.
Becomes a Page: Initiated into combat with wooden weapons, serves the master; may learn to read and write.
At Age 14: Becomes a Squire, responsible for carrying the knight's shield and helping with armor. Practices with spear and sword, accompanies the knight in tournaments and battles.
At Age 21: If brave and financially able, may become a knight during the dubbing ceremony.
Dubbing Ceremony
Purpose: An official ceremony to make a squire a knight.
Rituals:
Purification: Bathing and fasting the day before, dressed in white.
Prayer in a chapel the night before.
Takes an oath on the gospels, receives a sword and golden spurs.
Godfather taps shoulders with a sword (colée) to knight him.
Outcome: The knight becomes a vassal to a lord.
Knight's Oath
Responsibilities:
Defend the weak, orphans, and widows.
Live in purity and render justice.
Protect the church and serve their lord and king.
Spirit of Chivalry
Established by the church in the 11th century to curb violence.
Rules:
War prohibited during certain periods (e.g., before Christmas and Easter).
Ban on attacks against clergy, laborers, merchants, and pilgrims.
Knights must not destroy churches or kill plowing animals.
Qualities of a Knight: Loyalty, honor, courage, and generosity.
Knight's Armament
Armament is costly; includes horse and weapons.
Equipment:
Steed: A specially chosen war horse, protected by armor.
Weapons: Spear, long sword, battle axe, mace, and flail.
Armor: Includes hauberk, helmet, shield, and gauntlets.