How to Be a Knight

In medieval times, being a knight was a highly respected and honorable position. While the specific requirements and training to become a knight varied between different regions and kingdoms, there were some general guidelines that most knights followed. Here are some steps that could help you understand how to be a knight:

1. Be born into a noble family or be granted knighthood by a lord or monarch. Historically, knighthood was often hereditary, meaning that it was passed down from father to son. However, in some cases, a commoner who displayed exceptional bravery or skill in battle might be knighted by a lord or king.

2. Learn the skills of a knight. Knights were expected to be skilled in combat, riding, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits. They also needed to have good manners and be able to read and write.

3. Serve as a page. At the age of seven, a young boy would begin his training as a page. Pages served in a lord's household and were responsible for running errands, caring for the lord's weapons and horses, and learning the skills of a knight.

4. Become a squire. At the age of 14, a page would become a squire. Squires served as assistants to knights and were responsible for helping them dress in armor, caring for their weapons and horses, and accompanying them into battle.

5. Attend a ceremony of knighthood. To become a knight, a squire had to attend a ceremony of knighthood. During this ceremony, the squire would take an oath to be loyal to his lord, to defend the church and the weak, and to uphold the virtues of chivalry.

6. Be dubbed a knight. After taking the oath, the squire would be dubbed a knight by the lord or king. This involved being tapped on the shoulder with a sword and being granted the title of "Sir."

7. Live by the code of chivalry. Knights were expected to live by a strict code of chivalry, which emphasized bravery, loyalty, honor, and respect for women. They were also expected to be generous to the poor and to defend the helpless.

While the idea of becoming a knight may seem outdated today, the values of chivalry that knights embodied are still relevant today. By striving to live by these values, we can all aspire to be knights in our own way.