Knight

Definition

A knight is a mounted and armored soldier from the medieval period, often associated with chivalry and the feudal system. Knights served as warriors for their lords and were bound by a code of conduct that emphasized bravery, loyalty, and honor. The concept of knighthood plays a significant role in various tales, where knights embark on quests and face moral dilemmas, reflecting societal values of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Knights were often granted land or titles in exchange for military service to their lords, establishing a strong bond between them and the feudal system.
2. The process of becoming a knight typically involved several stages, including being a page, then a squire, before finally being dubbed a knight in a ceremonial act.
3. Knights were expected to adhere to the chivalric code, which dictated their behavior in both battle and everyday life, promoting ideals of honor and courtly love.
4. Many knights participated in tournaments, which were not only a means of training for battle but also opportunities to gain fame and wealth.
5. Knights often became legendary figures in literature and folklore, symbolizing the ideals of heroism and valor in tales like 'King Arthur' and 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.'

Review Questions

• How did the role of knights influence the structure of feudal society?
  • Knights were pivotal to the feudal system as they provided military service to lords in exchange for land and protection. This relationship created a hierarchy where loyalty and duty were paramount, reinforcing the social structure of the time. The presence of knights allowed lords to maintain control over their territories while providing a sense of security to peasants living on their lands.
• Discuss the significance of chivalry in shaping the ideals associated with knighthood during the medieval period.
  • Chivalry played a crucial role in defining what it meant to be a knight during the medieval period. This code of conduct not only dictated behavior on the battlefield but also set expectations for personal conduct towards others, particularly women. The emphasis on honor, loyalty, and bravery shaped the cultural narrative around knights, leading them to be portrayed as noble heroes in literature and influencing societal norms.
• Evaluate the impact of legendary tales about knights on modern perceptions of heroism and morality.
  • Legendary tales about knights have significantly shaped contemporary views on heroism and moral conduct. Stories like 'King Arthur' and 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' not only highlight the values of bravery and honor but also explore complex moral dilemmas faced by these characters. These narratives continue to resonate today, influencing modern literature, film, and popular culture by embedding notions of idealized heroism that challenge individuals to aspire towards virtues like courage, integrity, and selflessness.

Related terms

Chivalry:

A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood that emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women.

Feudalism:

The dominant social system in medieval Europe, where land was held in exchange for service, particularly military service by knights to their lords.

Quest: An adventurous journey undertaken by a knight or hero in pursuit of a goal, often involving challenges that test their character and skills.