Knight

A knight is a person given a special title called knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or someone who represents them. This happens as a reward for helping the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in the military. The idea of knighthood started a long time ago, in the Early Middle Ages in Western Christian Europe. At that time, it was given to skilled warriors who fought on horses.

Later, during the High Middle Ages, knighthood became connected with chivalry. Chivalry was a set of rules that stressed being honorable and brave. Knights were often trusted warriors and guards for noble lords. They were famous for their skill in battle on horseback. Even when new weapons were developed, the title of knight stayed important and respected.

Today, many countries still have orders of knighthood. These are usually awarded for great service to the country or community, and they are a sign of honor. The modern female version of a knight is called a dame.

Etymology

The word knight comes from Old English cniht, meaning "boy" or "servant". It is related to words in German and other West Germanic languages. Over time, cniht came to mean "household servant". In old times, a cniht could be a servant on horseback who fought with their lord.

The idea of a knight as a warrior on horseback in heavy cavalry became common during the Hundred Years' War. The phrase "to knight" someone, meaning to give them this special title, began around the year 1300. The word "knighthood" also changed, shifting from meaning "adolescence" to "the rank of a knight".

History and evolution of medieval knighthood

Further information: Bucellarii

In ancient Rome, there were knights called the Ordo Equestris. They were nobles who rode horses. Later, during the time of the Franks, knights were soldiers on horses. The first knights appeared in the 8th century during the time of Charlemagne. These knights helped Charlemagne grow his lands. They were given land for their help.

Over time, knights became important for protecting land and people. New groups of knights formed, like the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights Templars. They protected travelers and fought in battles. Stories of brave knights, such as those from the Matter of France and the Matter of Britain, made knighthood something many people admired.

Knightly culture in the Middle Ages

Knights were well known by the 10th century. They were trained fighters who served kings and nobles. Nobles gave knights land in return for their loyalty and protection. Knights were also expected to be brave and polite, following a code called chivalry.

Boys from noble families began their training as pages at age seven. They learned skills like riding, fighting, and studying. At age 14, they became squires and kept training. When they were old enough and had shown bravery, they would become knights in a special ceremony. Knights often showed off their skills in tournaments, friendly competitions. These events included jousting, where knights on horseback tried to knock each other off with long sticks.

Medieval and Renaissance chivalric literature

Further information: Chivalry, Chivalric romance, Matter of Britain, Matter of France, Minnesang, and Jinete

Knights and ideas about knighthood are important in stories from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Books like The Song of Roland, Cantar de Mio Cid, and The Knight's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer show knights as heroes. Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d'Arthur helped shape the idea of chivalry, teaching values like faith, loyalty, courage, and honour.

During the Renaissance, writers like Baldassare Castiglione said a true knight should be brave but also good at dancing, singing, and speaking well. Later, authors like Miguel de Cervantes began to question these old ideas, feeling they were not realistic for real life.

Decline

See also: Military history

By the 1500s, knights were no longer as important. Countries began creating their own standing armies. These new armies were quicker to train, cheaper to outfit, and simpler to gather. Better weapons made heavy armour less useful because guns could break through it easily.

In the 1300s, soldiers with long pikes were also strong against riders on horses. As the old way of land ownership ended, many people found being a knight too costly. Armies started to care more about real fighting than old rules of honor. Some knight groups, like the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights Hospitaller, and Teutonic Knights, stayed alive today by using new tools while holding onto their old customs.

Types of knighthood

In many countries, people can get a special title called knighthood for their important work. Leaders like kings or queens often give this title to honor someone’s brave or helpful actions.

In some places, like Spain and the Netherlands, families can pass down the title of knight. If a father is a knight, his son might become a knight too when he is older. Different countries have different names and rules for these family titles. For example, in the Netherlands, a knight is called a “Ridder,” and in France, they use the word “Chevalier.”

There are also special groups called “chivalric orders.” These are like clubs for very important people, and being part of one is a big honor. Some of these orders have existed for many years. For example, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta started in 1048 to help care for sick people. Other famous orders include the Order of the Garter from England and the Order of the Golden Fleece from Burgundy. These orders often give out special awards to people who do great things for their country or the world.

Notable knights

Some famous knights from history are William Marshal, Pierre Terrail de Bayard, Stefan Lazarević, El Cid, Godfrey of Bouillon, Edward the Black Prince, and Richard the Lionheart.

Other well-known knights include Adrian von Bubenberg, Andrew Moray, Baldwin of Boulogne, Balian of Ibelin, Bohemond I of Antioch, Francis Drake, Francisco Pizarro, Franz von Sickingen, Geoffroi de Charny, Götz von Berlichingen, Guy de Lusignan, Henry V of England, Henry Percy, Heinrich von Winkelried, Hernan Cortes, Hugues de Payens, Joanot Martorell, John Hawkwood, Saint George, William Wallace, and Zawisza Czarny.