Have you ever wondered what a group of knights is called? You may think of knights as lone warriors, but they often fought alongside each other in battles and formed groups. So, it’s only natural to wonder what they were collectively called. And the answer might surprise you.
The collective noun for a group of knights is a “lance.” That’s right, a group of knights is called a lance! This term comes from the French word “lance” which, as you might guess, means “spear.” It’s a fitting name for an army of knights who were known for their skilled use of lances in battle.
Nowadays, we don’t usually see groups of knights riding around on horses, wielding lances, and saving damsels in distress. But the history and traditions of knights still fascinate us, and knowing what they were called when they fought together adds another layer of intrigue. So, the next time you come across a reference to a “lance of knights,” you’ll know exactly what it means.
History of the Term “Knights”
The term “knight” originated from Old English word “cniht” which meant servant or youth. During the medieval period, knights were considered as elite warriors who rode horses and pledged their loyalty to their lords or the monarch. They were known for their chivalry, bravery, and honor. The concept of knighthood evolved throughout different eras and regions, and it is still used in modern times.
- The earliest knights were warriors in the Frankish and Anglo-Saxon armies during the 5th to 10th centuries.
- The feudal system of the Middle Ages increased the importance of knights in the social hierarchy. Knights were given land, and they served their lords in exchange for protection and honor.
- The Crusades of the 11th to 13th centuries, in which Christian forces attempted to retake the Holy Land from the Muslims, also contributed to the development of knighthood. Knights who fought in the Crusades were seen as defenders of the faith.
The concept of knighthood continued to evolve during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. In some countries, knighthood became an honorary title bestowed by a monarch as recognition for service to the country or achievement in a particular field. Today, the term “knight” is associated with chivalry, nobility, and valor.
Medieval Knight Orders
The image of a medieval knight evokes an idea of a valiant soldier adorned in heavy armor riding on a horseback, wielding a sword and shield. However, beyond this romanticized portrayal of a knight, there were various orders of knights that played significant roles during the medieval period in Europe.
Types of Medieval Knight Orders
- Monastic Orders: These were religious orders of knights that were bound by monastic vows. They were also called monk-knights. Some of the famous monastic orders were the Knights Hospitaller, the Knights Templar, and the Teutonic Knights. They were not only sworn to defend the Christian people but also provided medical and charitable assistance.
- Noble Orders: These orders were created by monarchs or other noble individuals. Their purpose was to establish a chivalric code, control knights, and promote warfare. Some of the famous noble orders were Order of the Garter, Order of the Golden Fleece, and Order of the Dragon.
- Military Orders: These orders were established specifically to protect the Christian territories and people from the Muslim threat during the Crusades. The most famous military order was the Knights of the Temple of Solomon or the Knights Templar. Others included the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem.
Knighthood and Order of Chivalry
Knighthood was an aspirational status that was bestowed upon a man by a monarch or nobleman. It was a great honor and came with responsibilities of protecting the weak and upholding justice. The order of chivalry emphasized the importance of virtues such as honesty, valor, loyalty, and courtesy.
The procedure of becoming a knight was known as the ‘dubbing ceremony.’ During this ceremony, a squire was knighted by his lord. The ceremony involved an elaborate ritual that included receiving the accolade, a blow on the shoulders with a sword, and henceforth being addressed as ‘Sir.’ A knight had a lifelong commitment to chivalry and sometimes joined an order to further his devotion to these values.
Orders of Knights: Famous Examples
Here’s a table of some of the famous orders of knights and their details:
| Order | Founded | Founder | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knights Templar | 1119 | Hugh of Payens and Godfrey of Saint-Omer | Protecting the Holy Land, the Christian people, and the pilgrims during the Crusades. |
| Knights Hospitaller | 1099 | Gérard Thom | Providing medical and charitable assistance, defending Christian territories during the Crusades. |
| Order of the Garter | 1348 | King Edward III | Establishing a chivalric code, rewarding loyalty to the monarch. |
| Order of the Golden Fleece | 1430 | Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy | Promoting war against the Ottoman Empire, awarding loyalty to the House of Burgundy. |
Each order of knights has its story, traditions, and legacy. These orders played significant roles in shaping the political, social, and religious aspects of medieval Europe. Their memory lives on today in various forms of art, literature, and popular culture.
Code of Chivalry
Knighthood is not just a title or a profession, it is a way of life. Knights are held to a higher standard of behavior and are expected to uphold the Code of Chivalry. This code is a set of guidelines that outlines what is expected of a knight, both in battle and in everyday life. It defines what a group of knights is called, as well as how they should conduct themselves in accordance with their station.
- Honor: Knights should always defend their honor, and the honor of those in their charge. They should never lie, cheat, or steal, and should always be truthful and just.
- Courage: A knight must always be brave, even in the face of danger. They should be willing to fight for what is right, regardless of the odds.
- Loyalty: Knights are expected to be loyal to their king, as well as to their fellow knights. They should always keep their word and be true to their commitments.
These three tenets are the foundation of the Code of Chivalry, and all knights are expected to adhere to them. However, the code also includes other aspects of knightly behavior, including generosity, selflessness, and piety. Knights are expected to be generous to those in need, to always put others before themselves, and to be devoted to their faith.
In addition to these guidelines, a group of knights is called by several different terms, depending on the context. When a group of knights is gathered together under one leader, they are known as a company or a troop. However, if they are serving under a lord or king, they are referred to as a retinue or escort.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Company | A group of knights gathered together under one leader. |
| Troop | A group of knights gathered together under one leader. |
| Retinue | A group of knights serving under a lord or king. |
| Escort | A group of knights serving under a lord or king. |
Ultimately, the Code of Chivalry outlines not just the behavior and expectations of knights, but also the values that they hold dear. Knights who adhere to the code are known for their courage, honor, and selflessness, making them invaluable assets in battle and in everyday life.
Training of Knights
Knighthood was not an inherited position, but a title that was earned through extensive training. Training for knighthood usually began at the age of seven, where a young boy would be sent off to the castle of a lord or a knight to serve as a page. The page would learn the basic skills required of a knight, such as reading and writing, horsemanship, and caring for armor and weaponry.
At the age of 14, a page would become a squire and begin to study martial arts and combat training, including swordsmanship, jousting, and hand-to-hand combat. The squire would also learn about chivalry, which included loyalty, humility, honorable behavior, and respect for women. These ideals were reinforced through stories, songs, and plays that celebrated the legendary heroes of chivalry such as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and Charlemagne.
After many years of training and proving their worth, a squire would be knighted by a lord, king, or other nobleman. The ceremony involved the dubbing of the squire with a sword and a declaration of allegiance to the lord and the code of chivalry. The new knight was then permitted to wear armor, bear a coat of arms, and participate in jousts and battles.
Skills Taught in Knight Training
- Horsemanship
- Combat training (swordsmanship, jousting, hand-to-hand combat)
- Reading and writing
- Caring for armor and weaponry
- Chivalry (loyalty, humility, honorable behavior, respect for women)
Importance of Training for Knights
The extensive training required to become a knight was essential to their success on the battlefield. The skills and values instilled in them through the years of training allowed knights to not only be skilled warriors but also honorable and respected members of society. Their knowledge of horsemanship and combat was essential in the medieval era, where battles were fought on horseback and weaponry was limited to swords, spears, and bows.
Furthermore, the code of chivalry that was taught to knights emphasized the importance of noble behavior, respect for authority, and protecting the weak and vulnerable. This code contributed to the stability and order of medieval society, where knights were often called upon to protect their lord’s land and people from bandits, invaders, and other threats.
Examples of Knight Training Exercises
Here are a few examples of exercises that knights would participate in during their training:
| Exercise | Description |
|---|---|
| Ring Jousting | Knights would ride their horses at full speed and try to spear a ring that was suspended from above. |
| Melee | A group battle in which two teams of knights would try to capture each other’s knights. |
| Warhorse Training | Knights would train their horses to obey commands, such as stopping, turning, and galloping. |
These exercises not only helped develop the physical skills required of a knight but also fostered teamwork, strategy, and bravery.
Knight’s Armor and Weapons
Knights have always been celebrated for their sheer bravery and their skills as soldiers, but their heavily armored appearance has also made them a symbol of strength, justice, and honor. Among the most impressive and awe-inspiring parts of a knight’s appearance are undoubtedly their armor and weapons.
Armor
- Chainmail: This armor consists of small metal rings that are interlinked and woven together to form a flexible, protective mesh. Chainmail was considered to be one of the most essential forms of armor for knights and was often further reinforced with additional layers of cloth or leather.
- Plate armor: Developed in the late medieval period, plate armor consists of interlocking metal plates that cover the entire body. This type of armor provided excellent protection against arrows, swords, and other weapons, but it was also very heavy and required a great deal of strength and skill to wear.
- Knight’s surcoat: This was a long, flowing tunic worn over the armor. It was often emblazoned with the knight’s coat of arms or other insignia, and served both as a symbol of identity and as a way to keep the armor from chafing against the skin.
Weapons
In battle, knights relied on a wide range of weapons to defeat their opponents and defend their lord or lady. The following are a few of the most common weapons used by knights:
- Sword: The sword was a symbol of the knight’s status and served as their primary weapon. Initially, swords were relatively short and straight, but as armor became more sophisticated, swords became longer and more pointed, enabling them to pierce armor.
- Lance: The lance was a long spear used in jousting tournaments and on the battlefield. It was most often used by knights on horseback and was designed to be held under the arm for maximum stability and force.
- Axe: The knight’s axe was a crushing weapon that could be used to deliver powerful blows either from horseback or on foot. It could easily cleave through armor and was particularly effective against heavily armored opponents.
- Mace: The mace was a blunt weapon that was often used to deliver crushing blows to enemies wearing plate armor. Its weight and shape allowed it to crush bones and tear through armor, making it particularly useful in close-quarters combat.
Overall Protection
Given that armor was often designed to protect the entire body, including the head, feet, hands, and arms, it is no surprise that knights often found it difficult to move around easily. This is why knights would train their bodies to become athletic and agile, to balance the extra weight of their armor. But the protection that they received from their armor was second to none. Heavily armored knights could withstand a variety of attacks that would have certainly killed an unarmored person. This significantly outweighed the potential restrictions on movement and mobility that came with their armor.
| Armor Type | Materials Used | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chainmail | Small interlocking metal rings | Lightweight, easy to wear, can be reinforced with other materials |
| Plate armor | Interlocking metal plates | Heavy, provides excellent protection, difficult to move in |
| Knight’s surcoat | Heavy cloth or linen | Protected the skin from chafing, identified the knight on the battlefield |
Famous Knights in History
As the embodiment of chivalry, knights have held a special place in history and captured the imaginations of people for centuries. They were sworn to protect the weak and the helpless, and their noble actions have been celebrated in countless tales and legends. In this article, we will explore the various types of knights and their significance throughout history, as well as some of the most famous knights who have left their mark on the world.
One of the most interesting aspects of the study of knights is exploring the different groups or order of knights that existed. These orders varied in their purpose, function, and history, but they all shared a similar code of chivalry. A group of knights is known as a “chivalric order,” and six of the most famous orders in history were:
- The Order of the Templars: Founded in the early 12th century in Jerusalem, their purpose was to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. They became one of the most powerful forces in the Crusades.
- The Knights Hospitaller: Established in the 11th century, these knights were originally a monastic order tasked with caring for sick and injured pilgrims in the Holy Land. Over time, they evolved into a formidable military order.
- The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre: These knights were originally tasked with protecting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, one of the most sacred sites in Christendom.
- The Teutonic Knights: Founded in the late 12th century to provide medical care to German Crusaders, this order also became a significant military force in Eastern Europe.
- The Order of Santiago: Established in the 12th century in Spain, this order was dedicated to defending Christian lands against Muslim invaders.
- The Order of Calatrava: Another order of knights established in Spain, they were dedicated to protecting the frontiers of Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.
Each of these chivalric orders had a unique history, but they all played a crucial role in shaping the history of their respective regions and beyond. Besides these orders, many famous knights have made their mark on history through their deeds and bravery.
Some of the most famous knights in history include:
| Name | Country | Time Period | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Marshal | England | 12th-13th century | Considered one of the greatest knights in English history, he served under five different kings and was a trusted advisor to many. |
| Joan of Arc | France | 15th century | Known as the “Maid of Orleans,” she inspired French troops during the Hundred Years’ War and was eventually burned at the stake. |
| El Cid | Spain | 11th century | A legendary Spanish knight who helped unite Spain against Muslim invaders. |
| Lancelot du Lac | France | Medieval period | A mythical figure who served as King Arthur’s trusted companion and was renowned for his bravery and loyalty. |
These are just a few of the many knights who have captured our imaginations and inspired us with their deeds. Whether they were fighting in battles or championing noble causes, these knights embodied the virtues of chivalry and remain an important part of our cultural heritage.
Knights in Modern Times
Knighthood has always been closely associated with the medieval times, but the tradition has persisted into modern times as well. Today, knights still exist in various forms throughout the world. Here are some of the ways in which knights continue to play a role in modern society:
- Order of Knights – Many countries around the world still have orders of knighthood that are bestowed upon individuals for outstanding achievement or service to the community. Some of the most well-known orders include the Order of the British Empire and the Order of Canada.
- Honorary Knights – In addition to formal orders of knighthood, some people are knighted as an honorary title. This is often given to athletes, actors, or politicians who have made a significant contribution to their respective fields.
- Masonic Knights – The Masonic Knights Templar is a Christian-oriented fraternal organization that was formed in the late 1700s. Members of this group are referred to as Knights Templar, but they do not have any connection to the original knights of the same name.
In addition to the various forms of knighthood that still exist today, the image of the knight continues to resonate with many people in modern times. Knights are often seen as symbols of bravery, chivalry, and honor. This has led to their appearance in popular culture, where they are often depicted as heroes in films and books.
For example, the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have been adapted into countless films and television shows. These stories have also influenced the portrayal of knights in video games, where they are often the protagonists of sprawling fantasy epics.
Given their enduring popularity, it’s clear that knights still hold a special place in our imaginations. Whether they’re being honored for their service to the community or serving as the protagonists of epic tales, knights continue to inspire us with their noble ideals and timeless values.
FAQs: What is a Group of Knights Called?
Q: What is a group of knights called?
A: A group of knights is called an Order, which is usually organized under a specific cause or mission.
Q: How many knights make up an order?
A: The number of knights in an order can vary, but they often consist of dozens to hundreds of members.
Q: What kind of missions do knight orders participate in?
A: Knight orders can participate in a variety of missions, including protecting the Christian faith, fighting in wars, and acting as advisors to monarchs.
Q: Is a group of knights the same as a guild or a brotherhood?
A: While all three terms refer to organized groups of individuals, a group of knights is specifically focused on the mission of chivalry and knighthood, whereas guilds and brotherhoods can have a variety of purposes.
Q: Are knight orders still active today?
A: Yes, many knight orders are still active today, although their missions and membership criteria have evolved over time.
Q: Can non-nobles become members of knight orders?
A: Yes, in modern times, many knight orders have opened membership to individuals who meet certain criteria, regardless of their noble status.
Q: What is the most famous knight order in history?
A: The most famous knight order in history is perhaps the Knights Templar, who were active during the Crusades and became renowned for their chivalry and military prowess.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading
Now that you know what a group of knights is called, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of medieval history! Knight orders have played an important role throughout history, and while their missions and membership criteria have changed over time, they continue to exist today. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more interesting historical tidbits in the future.