Medieval Knight

Definition

• A knight is a fighter on horseback, a professional warrior often from the nobility.
• Must own weapons and a horse; requires combat training.

Formation of the Knight

Recruitment and Apprenticeship

• Knights are recruited among young nobles.
• They begin their training at a young age, typically around 7 years old.
  • Roles in Training:
    • Rascal: Takes care of horses and cleans stables.
    • Page: Introduced to combat with wooden weapons; serves his master and may learn reading and writing.
    • Squire (at 14 years): Wears the knight's shield, helps with armor, practices fighting with spear and sword, accompanies master to tournaments and battles.

Dubbing Ceremony

• Occurs around age 21 if the squire has shown bravery and has financial means.
• Ritual includes:
  • Purification (bathing and fasting).
  • Spending a night praying in a chapel.
  • Oath-taking on the gospels.
  • Receiving a sword and golden spurs; a tap on the shoulders with the sword (colée).
• Becomes vassal to a lord after the ceremony.

Knight's Oath

• Commitment to:
  • 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 reduce violence.
• Rules include:
  • Prohibition of war during specific times (e.g., before Christmas and Easter).
  • Restrictions on attacks against certain groups (e.g., church, laborers, merchants, pilgrims).
  • Avoid destruction of churches, mills, and farming animals.
• Promoted ideals of loyalty, honor, courage, and generosity.

Knight's Armament

• Armament is costly and essential for a knight's status.
• Key Components:
  • Steed: A specially chosen war horse that can carry over 100 kg.
  • Weapons: Spear and long sword (noble weapons).
  • Armor: Evolves over time, includes:
    • Hauberk (metal mesh tunic).
    • Helmet and shield.

Armor Evolution

• By the 15th century, rich knights wore plate armor weighing about 25 kg.
• Components of Armor:
  • Helm (helmet).
  • Shield (bears knight's coat of arms).
  • Gauntlet (hand protection).
  • Sword (primary weapon).

Other Weapons of the Knight

• Battle Axe: Effective for close combat.
• Mace: Designed to knock out adversaries; can smash through armor.
• Flail: Destructive weapon with a chain and iron mass.

Knight’s Lifestyle

• Knights do not work or pay taxes; they dedicate their lives to protecting others.
• In peacetime, they participate in tournaments and hunting for training and recreation.