knights
What is a knight? What is the concept of knighthood all about? Knighthood exists in two places simultaneously--in the world and in our imagination. We can speak of ideals versus realities, probably the central problem with knighthood and the chivalric ideals. Swords, horses, jousts, armor, castles, fair maidens, kings, queens-these are the words that come to mind when people mention the word knight. The mental image of a knight embedded in everyone's minds shows an armor-clad man on a horse. The noble beings beneath the armor are virtually unknown to many. Behind every knight's intimidating physical appearance lay the values, morals, and history of chivalry that has made these people great historical figures. In the fourth century A.D. the Roman Empire fell and various barbarian tribes invaded Europe. One of the dominant groups was the Franks of central and Western Europe, who gradually expanded their power until, in A.D. 800; their leader Charlemagne became emperor of the West. Charlemagne and his forebears added to the number of horsemen in their army, giving land to mounted warriors. In the ninth century the empire, torn by civil wars and invasions, broke up. Powerful local lords and their mounted warriors offer
In theory, they were brothers; however, jealousy, envy and hatred existed with the fellowship. The Legend of King Arthur, one of the most enduring tales in recorded history, made knighthood in the middle ages very well known. Bibliography BIBLIOGRAPHYHopkins, Andrea. Knighthood, Chivalry and Tournament Resource Library. Unfortunately, nowadays, the true image of a knight is unknown to many. Once the lovers had pledged themselves to each other and consummated their passion, complete secrecy had to be maintained. How were knights made? When boys of noble birth who were going to become knights were around seven years old, they were usually sent away to a nobleman's household, usually of his uncle or great lord, to be a page. The church agreed, arguing only that the spiritual love of Christ was superior to the love of a woman; but the important detail was that love as an ennobling motivator was added as a chivalric element that was to stay. He thereby unites the people of Britain in peace and harmony.
Common topics in this essay:
Western Europe,
Round Table,
,
King Arthur,
Middle Ages,
West Charlemagne,
Lancelot-and Arthur,
Roman Empire,
Resource Library,
Arthurian Legends,
round table,
courtly love,
king arthur,
powerful influence knight,
knighthood knighthood,
powerful influence,
influence knight,
encarta 1997-2000,
true knight,
knights round table,
knights round,
queen guinevere,
|