Knights in Europe prepared for war during tournament. Jousting was just one way they could capture an opponent. How did these men become so strong and powerful? Years of preparation!
Training of a Knight
• The word “knight” comes from an old Anglo-Saxon term for “boy.” All knights belonged to families of “gentlemen,” or “nobles.” They had wealth and power. A knight’s training began when he was only seven years old.
• He moved away from his home to that of another knight. That way his mother and sisters could not spoil him! However, he served the ladies of that house for about seven years. He was called a page.
• He learned to ride a horse and duel with other boys. He also learned to sing and play a musical instrument. Learning to read was not considered necessary!
• The boy became a squire when he was 14. He looked after the knight’s helmet, armor, and sword. He cared for the horses. And he went with the knight to tourneys and battles.
• He also waited on tables. That was not beneath his dignity. He was expected to learn to obey before he could govern.
• A squire became a knight when he was 20. Then his parents would throw a party for him.
Chivalry
• A knight was not usually interested in killing his enemies. He wanted to capture them. They could be held and were released only if a ransomwas paid. The amount asked depended upon the wealth of the captives.
• The knight was expected to treat his captives as honored guests! And he was not supposed to attack without warning. A surprise attack would have been unworthy of a true knight.
• These rules of behavior were called chivalry. Knights were expected to follow the commandments of the Christian faith. They were to be generous to the needy. They were to protect the Church, women, and all who could not defend themselves.
• Not all knights followed these rules. But knights in 1350 had better manners than those who had lived 300 years before. King James I of England once said that, although he could make a man a knight, “only God can make a gentleman.”
