Work Cited

English, Edward D. "Chivalry." Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File News Services, 2011. Web. 12 May 2011.

English, Edward D. "Knights and Knighthood in the Middle Ages." Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File News Services, 2005. Web. 12 May 2011.

Macdonald, Fiona. Knights and Castles. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens Pub., 2005. Print.

Macdonald, Fiona. You Wouldn't Want to Be a Medieval Knight!: Armor You'd Rather Not Wear. New York: Franklin Watts, 2007. Print. You Wouldn't Want to Be a.

Singman, Jeffrey L. "The Life Cycle." Daily Life Through History. Greenwood, 2002. Web. 12 May 2011.

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Blog Visitor Response Question

Would you want to be a knight if you had the choice? Why, or why not?

What were mock battles and what were they for?

     Mock battles were both for fun and for practice.  In these battles, knights would battle each other with fake weapons.  The knights would fight each other using wooden swords, lances and shields. These battles would sometimes take the form of a joust which would feature two heavily-armored knights riding toward each other on horseback carrying long lances.  The object would be for one knight to knock the other one off his horse.  The last knight still on their horse would be declared the winner of the mock battle.  Sometimes the loser of the battle would have to give up their armor or possibly even their horse to the winner.

     Knights would show off their skills to the crowds that would gather to watch the entertainment.  Spectators at these events would often include kings, queens, lords, and ladies.  These mock battles were mainly used to increase the knight’s skills, but the competition was often fierce when showing off for royalty.  The knight’s did not want to miss an opportunity to look good in front of the royal families.  Even though the battles were intense it would be rare to see someone get hurt during them.

What is chivalry and how did it affect the medieval times?

Not only were knights expected to have great strength and leadership in times of war but they were also expected to be kind-hearted servants of the people when not at war.  This non-wartime conduct became better known as chivalry.  This was the code of conduct and the way of life for knights.  Chivalry was often described as the perfect qualification for being a knight.  The honor of being a knight and following the chivalrous way of life were inseparable ideas.

By accepting the knighthood, knights were required to accept and abide by this code of conduct.  As a result of this acceptance, knights were pledging to be audacious, compassionate, benevolent, gracious, devoted, considerate, courageous, attentive, calm, and enduring.  Additionally, knights promised to defend the weak, be courteous to women, loyal to their king, and serve God at all times.  If a knight did not follow this code, a punishment may be the consequence.  This punishment could result in the loss of knighthood.

Where do knights live and what was the life style like?

            Knights lived in the castles with the kings.  They faced harsh conditions throughout the year. Knights had to deal with freezing temperatures and battle the elements. Rowdy soldiers who also lived in the castles were a distraction, flaming hot kitchens, drawbridges which rose unexpectedly, and also fast falling portcullis were some of the drawbacks of castle life.

            Although castles were very stylish, living in them was not always a pleasant experience. Knights were allowed to bring family to live with them in their small rooms/apartments. Noisy, fiery forges and /or dismal dungeons were often the place that knights and soldiers called home. The castles did not have a sophisticated sewage system like we do today so occasionally the castle would smell terrible. Castle life was very neat and luxurious but also rough.

What were some of the responsibilities on the knights?

Knights had to fight in the king’s army and lead troops of soldiers to war.  A knight had to be a good friend to the king and participate in the king's hobbies. Some of the king’s hobbies might include archery, chariot racing, chess or even pottery. Although the hobbies may not be of interest to the knights, they would still participate in them to develop a stronger friendship with the king. Being a friend to the king also required you to be an advisor to him.  Even if the advice may not be to the king’s liking, you still had to give it to him.

Knights had other responsibilities as well.  These responsibilities included managing the peasants who were taking care of the family farm and settling fights that might breakout between them. Another job that knights were responsible for was the collection of the royal taxes from all of the town’s people. By doing these jobs, knights became very unpopular and disliked by many people. The responsibilities allowed the knights to increase their skills in fighting, friendship, counseling, farming, finance and becoming a legal guardian. There were many advantages along with many disadvantages in the responsibilities of knights.

How did you become a knight in Medeival times?

Boys were trained at the age of seven or eight and were sent to live with a knight and his family. While the boy is away from home, he becomes manlier and picks up some qualities of a knight at a young age. Some examples of the qualities would be brave, tough, and strong as he leaves his family.  The boys would work as a page to begin their knight training.  A page was similar to a messenger who delivered messages.

When the young male turns fourteen, he becomes a squire for the knight.  As a squire the teenager would help the knight prepare for battle.  Also, as a squire the teenager would care for the knight’s horse.  Finally, at the age of twenty-one, the grown squire would be recognized at a special ceremony called a dubbing.  At this ceremony, a king, queen, or lord will tap a kneeling squire on the shoulder. Then the leader would tell the squire to stand up as a knight.