The History and Qualities of Knights essays

The History and Qualities of Knights essays A knight is first and foremost a mounted warrior and that was his primary role in society. Just about anyone who fought on horseback could be considered a knight, even a lowly commoner. This was how it was in the very beginning, but later knights became specialized warriors. They wore armor and wielded a lance along with a sword or mace. Knights possessed many attributes including, Knights had to be able to fight well. Which means they had to have the ability to perform physical tasks and have a vast knowledge of weapons and armor. They had to possess great physical strength. There were no weight training programs only repeated use of arms. Above all they most have tremendous personal bravery. A knight would not fear death. A knight's honor was a measure of his standing amongst his peers. A knight's honor was as real the castle he protected. A knight would not think twice to defend his honor to his last drop of blood. Knightly society was a gift-giving society. A lord was expected to give gifts to his followers. These were not only gifts in the sense we know, but gifts in the form of privileges, shared wartime plunder, and honors shown. Gifts were exchanged to seal alliances, show friendship, and sent to accompany embassies and messengers. Most knights had no need for living within his means. This would indicate a preoccupation with accounting, which was tho ught to be below them. Glory and plunder were the prizes of battle, which every knight sought. Glory is the same as a notation of fame and meant prestige for him and his family. Glory was a public testimony of one's prowess and could be won in tournaments as well as in battle. Knights gained their fame through story and song and written word was becoming the source of lasting glory. Fidelity was paramount and oath-breaking the worst form of behavior. A true knight stayed true to his lord, his church, and his word. Loyalty to one's lord came before everything and everything i...