Medieval Knight

Definition

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

Formation of the Knight

• Recruitment: Knights are recruited from young nobles.
• Apprenticeship: Begins early in life, typically at age 7.

Stages of Training

1. Page (Age 7)

   • Takes care of horses and cleans stables.
   • Initiated into combat using wooden weapons.
   • Serves his master and may learn to read and write.

2. Squire (Age 14)

   • Wears the shield of the knight he serves.
   • Helps knight with armor and practices fighting.
   • Accompanies knight in tournaments and battles.

3. Knight (Age 21)

   • Achieves knighthood through the dubbing ceremony if proven brave and financially able.

Dubbing Ceremony

• Official ceremony making the squire a knight.
• Rituals:
  • Purification: Dressed in white after bathing.
  • Fasting: Spends a night praying in a chapel.
  • Oath: Takes an oath on the gospels.
  • Receiving Honors: Given a sword and golden spurs.
  • Colée: Tapped on shoulders by godfather's sword.
• Becomes a vassal to a lord.

Knight's Oath

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

Spirit of Chivalry

• Established in the 11th century to curb violence.
• Rules Introduced by the Church:
  • Truce of God: Prohibits wars at certain times.
  • Ban on attacks on specific groups (e.g., clergy, laborers, merchants, pilgrims).
  • Protection of churches and animals.
• The knight serves God and people, maintaining order.

Knight's Qualities

• Loyalty
• Honor
• Courage
• Generosity

Knight's Armament

• Costly Gear: Knights must afford horse and weapons.
• Steed: Chosen carefully, able to carry over 100 kg, may be armored.
• Weapons:
  • Spear: Long weapon used for charging enemies.
  • Long Sword: Considered a noble weapon.
• Combat Techniques: Evolve through the Middle Ages.
• Armor:
  • Hauberk: Metal mesh tunic.
  • Helmet and Shield: Protects knight and displays coat of arms.

Evolution of Armor (15th Century)

• Rich knights wore metal plate armor (average weight: 25 kg).
• Additional Protection:
  • Gauntlet for hand protection.

Other Weapons of the Knight

• Battle Axe: Powerful weapon for close combat.
• Mace: Handle with a pointed head, designed to knock out opponents.
• Flail: Wooden handle with a metal chain, destructive against hauberks.

Lifestyle of Knights

• Knights do not work or pay taxes as they protect others.
• Participate in tournaments and hunts during peace times for training and entertainment.