ARMOUR-CLAD DEFENCES –The Knights of Europe
Often pictured as a horse rider, equipped with a glorious armour and a sword, the knight was known to be a warrior and protector of the nobility in medieval Europe. Each knight served his own lord and received payment in terms of land holdings. The concept of knights existed from the 12th century to the 15th century, encompassing the entire Middle Ages. Knights are often linked with the ideas of chivalry and courage, serving the image of a loyal soldier.
The resources of knights’ ordeals can be dated back to the times of ‘geats’ in England, one-event warriors developed later in the feudal system as vassals to maybe a lord or monarch. They were of utmost significance in Europe’s social continuum and military structure in the medieval ages, where the existence of conflict was quite pronounced. The roots of the institution of knighthood can be traced back to the emergence of horse cavalry as a new and potent force on the battlefield. With the innovation of stirrups and the evolution of both weapon systems and armour technology, knights became unstoppable in this terrain. These heavily armoured cavalries were fighters but also provided a sort of hope and security in a perilous world.
To the greatest extent, knighthood existed within a well-defined system, the feudal system, based upon the exchange of land for obedience. In fact, the knighthood of young eligible men began as early as possible. They entered noble houses as pages that were preparatory knights. At this place, they mastered the art of etiquette and gallantry, riding and fighting. When they were teenagers or rather boys in long tunics, boys were upped to the rank of squire who were servants to knights. This age was characterized by training on how to use war weapons, in particular, sword fighting, horseback fighting called jousting and other forms of weaponry. Squires were also present when the knights fought in battles or went to exercise in tournaments: they experienced the theories of war and battles in practice. A squire underwent many years of rigorous training and would be elevated to a knight by entertainment of several types of equipment that on most occasions included sacred ones to denote the nobility and upright behaviour expected of that position.
The historicization of Chivalry seemed to parallel those who were engaged chiefly in the Crusades. Chivalry may be referred to as an ethical system that revered such qualities as courage, fidelity, and honour, particularly towards women. However, the actual behaviour expected from a knight often differed from these ideals so this chivalric code of behaviour acted more of a moral guide to the ruling classes in the middle ages society. It had, however, a great effect on works of literature as it was associated with great heroic events and courtship practices such as the cases of the legends of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. In the idealized society of all the correct knights, they were told to defend the defenceless, offer fairness, and serve only to their sovereign. Nevertheless, the contemporary political scene and aspirations of individuals were at times counterproductive, showing that chivalric ideals were often limited by the exalted brutishness of politics. As knights engaged in these displays of military prowess, they also entertained guests in what would be similar to a modern barbecue function. As tournaments developed, knights began to compete in extensive tournaments in which large numbers of combatants fought in melee and in jousting, where the participants battled in single-elimination combat after quarter draws. Tournaments were in theory devoid of real fight yet they allowed known knights to fight for honor and earnings freely. The culture of tournaments, however, shaped the unjust perception that every knight was a fierce and gracious fighter, which also had its upsides. Many deaths and serious injuries happened in the course of the knightly vocation, which showcased the violent nature of the profession.
As the saying goes, “Died a knight, a soldier-attain the reward,” this refrain dictates the moral ruin of a knight’s military. The church also worked to restrict the martial inclination of knights; such that combat was spoken in a more religious context as that of holy warfare. This led to the Crusades or several wars that were organized to restore the holy places from Muslims. The Crusades served a purpose for knights in that they offered a cause that they could pursue using their military skills in devoted service that was designed to improve their image as protectors of the Christian Faith. Military orders such as the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller, Teutonic Knights and several others attracted many knights. These orders merged the religious life of monks and the warfare creating a unique category of soldier monks who fought for their religion. However, despite the respect and esteem that they commanded, the knights underwent those changes that any person residing in the Middle Ages swirled. In the very High Middle Ages, many progressive transformations began to take their toll on an otherwise inevitable institution — knighthood. Stirrups and armoured bodices enabled mounted warriors to fight seated above all in trailers. In addition, the emergence of standing forces made it unnecessary to recruit feudal contingents that had hitherto included knights.
Apart from these developments, the geographical and social conditions that were characterized by urbanization and the death of feudalism proactively undermined the sociopolitical structure that supported knighthood.
By the end of the Middle Ages, the function of the knight had changed from that of a fighter to a representation of the aristocratic class. The title of a knight became more prominent in the ceremonial aspects of the court and its activities. Although ideas of chivalry continued to exist, they, in a way, were more of a fantasy that had little to do with the harsh realities of war. Works of literature such as Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur celebrated the heroism and the noble pursuit of knighthood reinforcing the mythical existence of the knightly class. Yet, knighthood as it had been understood in the Middle Ages was gradually losing its relevance within the society and so were its practitioners.
The idea of knighthood spans far beyond feudal times. They have been highly depicted in paintings from the Renaissance to movies and video games of the modern day. Men in armour represent ideals of bravery, fidelity, and fairness, which is why they stubbornly remain popular among people’s fantasies. The glorified image of the noble figure adorned in armour still fuels stories and aspirations, although historical thinkers try to dispel all myths and outline the exact role of such people in the society in question. The knights were not just soldiers, they were people who represented the multiple intricacies of their epoch.
They belonged to the suzerain system which required fidelity and devotion; however, they also sought personal honour and ambition. Warlike pursuits, faith and social positions formed their existence which gave birth to a history that is rich and yet paradoxical. The chivalric age when knights were considered to be military classes seems to have come many centuries ago but their effect is still felt and this shows how deeply rooted their significance was in the history of Western civilization.
