Knighthood Research Paper

The knights of the Middle Ages took on the duty to protect and serve by upholding the code of chivalry; the qualities of bravery, self-discipline, loyalty, and honor. Training was a long and difficult task but resulted in the image of a knight today. The armour of knights evolved through the Medieval Ages but eventually became a strong and flexible plate armour, helmet, and shield. Knights used a variety of weapons including swords, maces, daggers, battle axes, and lances. They used these tools in order to protect the castle and lands of their Lord.
Knights held themselves in honorable pride knowing their pledged service to their Lord and to their Church. The code of chivalry had three principle factors, religion, war, and love, all of which …show more content…
The young man was often the son of a rich nobleman. Even though theoretically any free man could become a knight, the process and lifestyle was expensive, having to purchase things like armour, horses, and weapons. The honor of a knight was also often passed on by a father to his son. During his upbringing in the home of his parents, a young boy was giving a fundamental education of basic manners, qualities, and expectations of a knight. At age seven, he left his home to live in the house of another nobleman. He was to be the servant of that nobleman and the ladies of the court and in return was educated in manners, riding, and religion. The young man attended tournaments which gave him many role models of true knights. Eventually at age fourteen, he became a squire and an attendant to a knight. He learned the ideals of a knight; chivalry, horsemanship, weapons, and the standards of a social life in a castle. The young men went into battle with the knights, yet this often resulted in the death of many squires. After learning for twenty-one years about knighthood, he was dubbed in a ceremony by another knight or even by a nobleman or king. This man was now a knight and set off to protect and serve his …show more content…
During the early Medieval Norman period, armour was mainly made out of chainmail, quilted work, and a small breast plate. They also wore a hauberk which was the main part of this armour and was made of chain mail reaching the knees. Knights gradually turned towards more of a plate armour instead of old chain mail. By the fifthteenth century, armour was entirely made of plate armour which was fitted and made to provide both flexibility and strength. Helmets needless to say protected the head of a knight. Shields were triangularly shaped and were not only used for protection but contained designs like the knight’s coat of arms. Weapons like battle axes, daggers, lances, and maces were used along with swords. Swords were the main form of weaponry for the knights. There were two main parts, the blade and the hilt. The blades ranged from a slightly curved blade to a broad straight blade that came to a sharp point. Lengths ranged from two feet to four feet. The hilt became ornately decorated and the blade sometimes was engraved with Latin inscriptions. Swords became symbolic of honor and glory. It was the main tool used to obtain safety and freedom from enemies contributing to the glory of

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