Medieval Knight

Definition

• A knight is a fighter on horseback, a professional warrior often belonging to the nobility.
• Must own weapons and a horse, and train for combat.

Formation of the Knight

• Apprenticeship:
  • Begins early in life among young nobles.
  • Placed with an experienced knight who becomes their godfather.
• Stages of Training:
  • At Age 7: Begins as a rascal, caring for horses and cleaning stables.
  • Page: Initiated into combat with wooden weapons; serves his master and learns reading/writing.
  • At Age 14 (Squire): Wears the shield of his knight, helps with armor, practices with spear and sword, accompanies master in tournaments and battles.
• At Age 21: May become a knight if proven brave and financially able during the dubbing ceremony.

The Dubbing Ceremony

• Official event where a squire is made a knight.
• Ritual Steps:
  • Purification: Dressed in white after bathing, fasting, and praying overnight in a chapel.
  • Takes an oath on the gospels.
  • Receives a sword and golden spurs.
  • Kneels before godfather who taps shoulders with sword (colée).
• Becoming Vassal: Enters service of a lord.

Knight's Oath

• Responsibilities include:
  • Defend the weak, orphans, and widows.
  • Live in purity.
  • Render justice.
  • Protect the church.
  • Serve lord and king.

Spirit of Chivalry

• Established by the church in the 11th century to curb violence.
  • Implemented rules like the truce of God, prohibiting wars on certain periods (e.g., before Christmas and Easter).
  • Knights should protect the weak, maintain order, and avoid attacking non-combatants.
• Qualities of a Knight:
  • Loyalty, honor, courage, and generosity.

Knight's Armament

• Costly Equipment:
  • Must afford horse and weapons.
  • Steed: War horse must carry the knight's armor (over 100 kg); can wear protective armor.
  • Weapons: Spear and long sword, essential for knights.
  • Armor: Evolves over time; knights wear hauberk (metal mesh tunic), helmet, and shield.

Early Armor and Weapons

• Hauberk: Coat of mail for body protection.
• Spear: 3 meters long, used for charging and unhorsing enemies.
• Gambeson: Thick linen to soften blows; metal mesh leggings and spurs.

Armor from the 15th Century

• Plate Armor: Rich knights wear metal plate armor, averaging 25 kg.
• Helmet: Protects head during combat.
• Shield: Displays knight's coat of arms for identification; protects against blows.
• Gauntlet: Hand protection.
• Sword: Main weapon, approximately 2 pounds in weight.

Other Weapons of the Knight

• Battle Axe: Powerful weapon for close combat.
• Mace: Handle with a pointed head for knocking out opponents.
• Flail: Wooden handle with a metal chain for destructive capabilities against armor.

Knight's Lifestyle

• Knights do not work or pay taxes while protecting others.
• Engage in tournaments and hunting during peace times for training and amusement.