Knight in Shining Armor

A knight was a mounted warrior in the service of his liege-lord. The mounted warrior had a significant advantage on the battlefield. Using the speed and momentum of a charge, the horse could trample his rider’s enemies; the rider could use the long lance to injure his foes while he remained out of reach of their weapons. Then, the knight could ride off with all speed, only to return for another deadly attack. This technique was most devastating when the cavalry worked together in formation. The horse-mounted soldier was, therefore, of great significance to an army’s leaders; thus, the root of the French word for knight, chevalier, is the word for horse, cheval.

The ability to wield a sword or lance from horseback was a particular skill that took practice and money, and it also took practice with comrades to learn to work together as a team. A lord would employ knights and give them the time and equipment to practice; in return, they served their lord as vassals. The duties of a vassal could include not only fighting in his lord’s army but also guarding his castle, giving him financial aid, acting as his messenger or ambassador, and serving on his council. The knight was under his lord’s protection, both legally and militarily.