A knight is a fighter on horseback, a professional warrior often from the nobility.
Must own weapons and horse; requires training for combat.
Formation of the Knight
Recruitment: Young nobles are selected to become knights.
Apprenticeship: Begins early, often at the age of 7.
Rascal Stage: Takes care of horses and cleans stables.
Page: Initiated into combat with wooden weapons, serves his master, learns reading and writing.
Squire (around age 14): Wears the knight's shield, assists in armor, practices fighting with spear and sword, accompanies master in tournaments and battles.
Knight (around age 21): If brave and financially able, he undergoes a dubbing ceremony to become a knight.
The Dubbing Ceremony
Purpose: Officially makes the squire a knight.
Rituals:
Purification ritual: Dressed in white after bathing.
Fasting and night of prayer in chapel.
Oath: Taken on the gospels; includes receiving a sword and golden spurs.
Colée: Godfather taps shoulders with the sword.
Becomes a vassal to a lord.
The Knight's Oath
Defend the weak, orphans, and widows.
Live in purity and render justice.
Protect the church and serve lord and king.
Spirit of Chivalry
Established by the church in the 11th century to curb violence.
Truce of God: Prohibits war during certain periods (e.g., before Christmas, Easter).
Rules against attacking non-combatants, destroying property, etc.
Emphasis on morality and ideal conduct.
Knight's Qualities
Loyalty
Honor
Courage
Generosity
Knight's Armament
Costly Equipment: Requires financial means to purchase horse and weapons.
Steed: Specially chosen to carry knight with armor (over 100 kg).
Horses may be armored.
Weapons:
Spear and long sword (noble weapons).
Combat Techniques: Evolved throughout the Middle Ages.
Armor (15th Century):
Hauberk: metal mesh tunic.
Helmet and shield for protection.
Types of Armament
Hauberk: Coat of mail for body and head protection.
Spear: 3 meters long, used for charging enemies.
Gambeson: Thick linen garment for absorbing blows.
Leggings: Metal mesh for leg protection.
Armor Appearance (15th Century)
Metal plates for rich knights, weighing around 25 kg.
Helmet: Protects the head.
Shield: Identifies the knight; bears coat of arms.
Gauntlet: Hand protection.
Sword: Main weapon, weighs about 2 pounds.
Other Weapons of the Knight
Battle Axe: Close combat weapon, powerful shock effect.
Mace: Handle with spiked head; used since the 12th century.
Flail: Has a metal chain with iron mass; destructive against hauberks.
Knight's Lifestyle
Knights do not work or pay taxes as they protect others.
In peacetime, they engage in tournaments and hunts for amusement and training.