Knight

The historical knight

In Medieval times, a knight was a mounted warrior in the service of a Lord. The word 'knight' is derived from the German word 'knecht', which means 'servant'.

In later periods, being made a knight was a great honour. A knight's behaviour, both in battle and normal life, was guided by a code of conduct.

See also: Chivalry

Knights in the SCA

In the SCA, a knight is a fighter who shows great prowess at heavy fighting (heavily armoured hand to hand fighting) as well as behaving in a chivalrous manner.

Knights are made by the current king, to whom they swear fealty. They are recommended by a council of the other knights, but the final decision to elevate a person to the Order is the prerogative of the Crown. Good fighters who do not wish to swear fealty may become masters of arms.

SCA knights can be identified by their white belt and a Chain of Fealty.