Essay about Knights and Thier Role In Medieval Society

Knights and their role in medieval society. Knights were an integral part of medieval society. They originally began with primitive warriors such as the Mongols who fought on horseback for added speed and power, but quickly advanced to chivalrous gentleman such as the Normans. Much has been written about medieval knights with the most famous being a series of legends about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Arthur and his knights were the ultimate example of what a perfect knight should have been. They were brave and skilful in battle, but merciful to their enemies once vanquished. They were courteous to ladies, and never ate or drank to excess. Knights associated in groups which they called orders. They vowed loyalty to†¦show more content†¦Any knight in those days who became a knight also had to take religious vows to live as monks as well as defending the king. To become a knight you had to go through three different stages; page, squire and knighthood. When a boy turned seven, they would leave home and start their training to be a knight. As a page, he joined the household of another knight or a nobleman. There they would train him how to use and handle small weapons. They also taught him manners, and the behaviour of knights. Then at fourteen they would advance to squire. In this position he would be a servant to the knight who had become his master. Training progressed and advanced to that of a mounted soldier. This would come in handy when he was called to assist his knight in battle. This would usually last around seven years. Then the squire was eligible for knighthood. Any knight could bestow knighthood on another. They would simply put the armour of the squire on him. Later it became more complicated with a tap of the sword and the words, I thee you knight along with bathing and praying ceremonies. Knights lived under a strict code of chivalry. This meant that he had faith and a deep love of the Christian religion, even to the point of death. They also had strong loyalty towards their land of birth, and gave generously to all. They had a duty to protect women and the weak. Knights always fought for good over evil and never surrendered orShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Economic Structure of Matewan1293 Words   |  6 PagesThe Economic Structure of Matewan The film Matewan, written and directed by John Sayles, depicts the small rural townof 1920s Mingo County, West Virginia as a society undergoing complete social unrest, a result of clashing ideals and economic systems. The film is an illustration of how different social systems come to be so intertwined that they cannot be defined independently of one another. Unfortunately for the people of Matewan, the feudalistic economic system imposed on them by the