Knight

A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity. This special title has a long history, beginning in the Early Middle Ages in Western Christian Europe when it was given to skilled mounted warriors.

During the High Middle Ages, knighthood became linked with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct that emphasized honor and bravery. Knights were often trusted fighters and bodyguards for noble lords, and they were known for their skill in battle on horseback. Even with the development of new weapons, the title of knight continued to be important and respected.

Today, many countries still have orders of knighthood. These are usually given for achievements in service to the country or community, and they remain a symbol of honor. The modern female equivalent of a knight is called a dame.

Etymology

The word knight comes from Old English cniht, meaning "boy" or "servant". It is related to similar words in German and other West Germanic languages. Over time, the meaning of cniht changed from "boy" to "household servant". In Anglo-Saxon times, a cniht could be a mounted servant who fought alongside their lord.

The idea of a knight as a mounted warrior in heavy cavalry became more common during the Hundred Years' War. The term "to knight" someone, meaning to give them this special title, started being used around the year 1300. The word "knighthood" also changed meaning, shifting from "adolescence" to "the rank or dignity of a knight".

History and evolution of medieval knighthood

Further information: Bucellarii

In ancient Rome, there was a class of knights called the Ordo Equestris, made up of mounted nobles. Later, during the time of the Franks, knights were often soldiers who rode horses into battle. The first knights appeared in the 8th century during the time of Charlemagne. These knights helped Charlemagne expand his lands, and they were given land in return for their service.

As time went on, knights became important in protecting land and people. New groups of knights, like the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights Templars, formed to protect travelers and fight in battles. Stories of brave knights, such as those from the Matter of France and the Matter of Britain, helped make knighthood an ideal that many admired.

Knightly culture in the Middle Ages

The idea of knights was already well known by the 10th century. Knights were important because they were trained fighters who served kings and other 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 started their training as pages at age seven. They learned skills like riding, fighting, and studying. At age 14, they became squires and continued their 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 that were like games but also prepared them for real battles. 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 the ideas of knighthood are important parts of 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 in battle but also good at dancing, singing, and speaking well. Later, authors like Miguel de Cervantes began to question these old ideas, feeling they were too perfect and not realistic for real life.

Decline

See also: Military history

By the mid to late 16th century, knights were quickly becoming obsolete as countries started creating their own standing armies. These new armies were faster to train, cheaper to equip, and easier to mobilize. The advancement of high-powered firearms made plate armour less useful, as guns could easily penetrate a knight's armour.

In the 14th century, infantrymen armed with pikes also proved effective against heavy cavalry. As the feudal system ended, many landowners found the duties of knighthood too expensive. Armies began to focus more on practical warfare rather than the honor-bound code of chivalry. Some knightly orders, like the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights Hospitaller, and Teutonic Knights, survived into modern times by adopting new technology while keeping their old traditions.

Types of knighthood

In many countries, people can receive a special title called knighthood for their important contributions to society. This title is often given by a king, queen, or other leaders to honor someone’s brave or valuable actions.

In some places, like Spain and the Netherlands, families can pass down the title of knight from one generation to the next. This means 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 hundreds of years. For example, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta started in 1048 to help care for sick people during wars. 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 or titles to people who do great things for their country or the world.

Notable knights

Some famous knights throughout history include William Marshal, Pierre Terrail de Bayard, Stefan Lazarević, El Cid, Bertrand du Guesclin, Godfrey of Bouillon, Edward the Black Prince, and Richard the Lionheart.

Other notable knights are Adrian von Bubenberg, Andrew Moray, Baldwin of Boulogne, Balian of Ibelin, Bohemond I of Antioch, Edward of Woodstock, Francis Drake, Francisco Pizarro, Franz von Sickingen, Gerard Thom, Geoffroi de Charny, Geoffroy IV de la Tour Landry, Götz von Berlichingen, Guy de Lusignan, Henry V of England, Henry Percy, Heinrich von Bülow, Heinrich von Winkelried, Hernan Cortes, Hugues de Payens, Jean III d'Aa of Gruuthuse, Jean Le Maingre, Joanot Martorell, John Hawkwood, Oswald von Wolkenstein, Philip Riedesel zu Camberg, Raymond IV of Toulouse, Roger Bigod, Roger Mortimer, Roger of Lauria, Saint George, Simon de Montfort, the Elder, Simon V de Montfort, Stibor of Stiboricz, Suero de Quiñones, Vincenzo Anastagi, William Clito, William Wallace, and Zawisza Czarny.