Editing Knight

[[File: MKomarck_KnightOfFlowers.jpg|thumb|350px|Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], the Knight of Flowers, by Michael Komarck ©]]

A '''knight''' is a member of a warrior tradition that is heavily interwoven in the [[Feudalism|feudal]] culture of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and the [[Faith of the Seven]]. Knights occupy a social standing between that of [[lord]]s and [[smallfolk]]. In contrast to nobility, this rank is not hereditary. Knights are referred to with the title "'''Ser'''".

==History==
Knighthood likely has its roots in [[Andal]] culture<ref name=yetmorequestions/> due to its association with the [[Faith of the Seven]], which was brought to [[Westeros]] with the [[coming of the Andals]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} Legends of the [[Reach]] claim chivalry was brought by the First Knight, [[John the Oak]], however.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Garth Greenhand}} The military success of mounted knights and their [[steel]] [[armament]] proved vital to the [[Andals]]' conquest of most of Westeros.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} Knighthood holds less cultural significance in areas of Westeros that are less assimilated to Andal culture, such as the [[north]] and the [[Iron Islands]], though there are knights from these regions.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}}

==Social status==
[[File:T Jedruszek BrightwaterCavalrywing.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A knight of [[House Florent]] by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Any man can be knighted, no matter their birth. Social pressure keeps knighthood from being exploited by unscrupulous knights who might give the accolade for money.<ref name=info>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1045/ Some Info about Knighthood (July 30, 1999)]</ref> Knighthood is seen as primarily a martial position, so even the sons of powerful [[lord]]s are not necessarily knighted if they are incapable of fulfilling the requirements. Doing otherwise would lose honor rather than gain it, and would make a lord and his family be held up to ridicule.<ref name=info/> Regardless, at times, a lord's son is knighted without fulfilling the requirements. For example, Lord [[House Caswell|Caswell]] of [[Bitterbridge]] had his only son and heir, a weakling, knighted.{{Ref|ADWD|8}}
Further, a young knight's repute partially derives from the honor of the man who conferred knighthood on him.{{Ref|ADWD|67}} Receiving your knighthood from a king, prince, [[Kingsguard]] knight, or legendary knight holds great prestige.<ref name=info/>

Although lords hold certain legal rights (e.g., the right of pit and gallows) which knights do not have, and outrank knights at tourney’s and feasts, certain [[landed knight]]s can be lord in all but name. It is mostly the title which sets the two apart, as the title of lord is generally considered to be more prestigious than the title “ser”. However, the title of a knight has its own prestige, as it cannot be inherited. And although knights are often ranked below lords, certain landed knights might actually be more powerful than lesser lords. It is certainly possible that a landed knight has more lands and wealth than a small lord. Especially landed knights who come from ancient houses, and who have extensive lands and a large, strong castle may actually be more powerful than many smaller lordlings. Such a peculiar status if often reflected by taking a style that incorporates the name of their castle, such as the [[Knight of Ninestars]].<ref name=knightslords>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1203/ Knights and Lords (March 2, 2002)]</ref><ref name=ownership>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros/ Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros (December 19, 1999)]</ref>

Lordly houses can be reduced to landed knights as punishment from the crown. The [[House Connington|Conningtons]], originally a lordly house, were reduced to landed knights by King [[Robert I Baratheon]] as a punishment for Lord [[Jon Connington]]'s participation in [[Robert's Rebellion]] on the side of [[House Targaryen]]. Instead of being the [[Lord of Griffin's Roost]], the head of House Connington is now known as the [[Knight of Griffin's Roost]].<ref name=knightslords/> Knighthood can also be stripped from individuals, through [[w:Attainder|attainder]]{{Ref|AGOT|43}} or royal decree.{{ref|ACOK|32}}

The [[Warrior's Sons]] were a military order of knights who gave up worldly possessions and swore their service to the [[High Septon]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}} They were outlawed during the [[Faith Militant uprising]], however.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} According to Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], three hundred [[currency|dragons]] is a fair ransom for a knight from a noble house.{{Ref|aSoS|44}}

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of knights|l1=Images of knights}}

[[File:Rhaegar knights Gregor by Tommy Patterson (AGoT Comic).jpg|thumb|275px|[[Rhaegar Targaryen]] knights [[Gregor Clegane]] by Tommy Patterson for ''[[A Game of Thrones (comics)|A Game of Thrones]]'' comic]]
Armor worn by [[Westeros]]i knights and warriors does not correspond one to one with any single period in European history, according to [[George R. R. Martin]]. Instead, it corresponds a mix of armor styles from several different time periods. Armor tends to "later" styles in southern Westeros. For example, plate is more common in the [[Reach]], while mail is more the rule in the [[north]]. The armor used by [[free folk]] living [[beyond the Wall]] is rather primitive.<ref name=yetmorequestions/>

Knights can wear several different kinds of helmets. The "halfhelms" correspond to classic [[w:Normans|Norman]] helms from the [[w:Norman conquest of England|Hastings]] era, conical helmets with open faces and a nasal bar. Other types of helmets are greathelms, both visored and closed,<ref name=yetmorequestions>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1250/ Yet More Questions (July 22, 2001)]</ref> and elaborately shaped helms, such as the ornate lion helmet worn by [[Jaime Lannister]].{{Ref|AGOT|30}}

Earning knighthood is also called "earning spurs".{{ref|ASOS|11}}{{Ref|ADWD|25}} Wealthier knights can wear gilded spurs.{{Ref|THK}}

Knights display a coat-of-arms on their shield and surcoat to identify themselves. Those who are nobly born often wear the arms of their house. Some might chose to use variations of their house's sigil, however. Examples are [[Garlan Tyrell|Garlan]] and [[Loras Tyrell]], who use two and three golden roses instead of one to indicate their positions are second and third son. A knight can also chose a completely new coat-of-arms. Many knights wear large crests on their helms that embellish the theme of their arms, such as a black trout for Ser [[Brynden Tully]]{{ref|AFFC|38}} and a unicorn horn for Ser [[Flement Brax]].{{ref|AGOT|56}}

At the time of the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}}, a plain yet complete set of good steel armor with greaves, gorget, and greathelm could cost eight hundred stags,{{Ref|THK}} which equals almost four golden dragons.

==Becoming a knight==
===Pages and squires===
Although not an absolute requirement for becoming a knight, boys, often nobly born, can serve as pages and later squires. Boys can become pages at several different ages. It appears to be normal to become a page from the ages of six or seven onwards. [[Robert Arryn]] was six years old when his father, Lord [[Jon Arryn]], planned on having him [[fostered]] at [[Dragonstone]] and serving as a page,{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} although circumstances were not entirely ordinary. According to [[Brienne of Tarth]], boys near the age of six or seven are pages.{{ref|AFFC|14}} [[Edric Dayne]] became a page at the age of seven,{{ref|asos|43}} and the [[Princess of Dorne]] suggested taking on [[Jaime Lannister]] as a page at that age as well.{{Ref|ASOS|70}} [[Kevan Lannister]] was made a page at the age of eight.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}} Boys as young as eight might serve the [[Night's Watch]] as pages.{{ref|ADWD|53}}

After several years of serving as a page, a boy can become a squire (also spelled "esquire"{{Ref|AFFC|27}}{{Ref|TSS}}). Boys are not required to serve as a page before becoming a squire, so the age of squiring can range widely. While [[Samwell Tarly]] was supposed to become a page and [[cupbearer]] at the age of ten,{{ref|affc|15}} multiple boys are known to have been squires by that age or by an even younger age. Examples include [[Doran Martell]],{{ref|AFFC|2}} [[Aegon V Targaryen]],{{ref|THK}} [[Rollam Westerling]],{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} and [[Elmar Frey]],{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} who were all already squires at the age of nine, and [[Barristan Selmy]]{{ref|ADWD|59}} and [[Edric Dayne]]{{ref|ASOS|43}} were made squires at the age of ten.

Pages and squires train at arms.{{Ref|ADWD|21}} Squires run errands for their masters,{{Ref|AGOT|30}} tend to their master's animals,{{Ref|thk}} clean his mail,{{Ref|thk}} and help him into his armor whenever required.{{Ref|AGOT|30}} In times of war, they ride beside their masters, assisting them and fighting by their sides.{{Ref|acok|61}} During tourneys, squires will provide their masters with new lances, or with a sword.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}{{Ref|agot|30}} A boy who is being fostered but who is not training for knighthood (e.g., because he does not follow the Faith of the Seven), can perform the duties of a page and squire without strictly being one.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Some_Questions Some Questions (March 16, 2000)]</ref>

'''Known squire and knight binomes:'''
{{Columns|2|
*{{coa|Blackfyre|s}} [[Aegon Blackfyre]], squire of King [[Daemon I Blackfyre]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]], squire of Ser [[Duncan the Tall]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], squire of Ser [[Jon Connington]]
*{{coa|Blackfyre|s}} [[Aemon Blackfyre]], squire of King [[Daemon I Blackfyre]]
*{{coa|Selmy|s}} [[Barristan Selmy]], squire of Ser [[Manfred Swann]]
*{{coa|None|s}} [[Bernarr Brune]], squire of Lord [[Alyn Stokeworth]]
*{{coa|Brynden Tully|s}} [[Brynden Tully]], squire of Lord [[House Darry|Darry]]
*{{coa|Farring|s}} [[Bryen Farring]], squire of King [[Stannis Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Clegane|s}} [[Clegane (father of Gregor and Sandor)|Clegane]], squire of Lord [[Tytos Lannister]]
*[[Dacks]], squire of Lord [[House Redfort|Redfort]]
*[[Daemon Sand]], squire of Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], squire of Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]
*[[Dalbridge]], squire of King [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Seaworth|s}} [[Devan Seaworth]], squire of King [[Stannis Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Bolton|s}} [[Domeric Bolton]], squire of Lord [[Horton Redfort]]
*{{coa|Night's Watch|s}} [[Donnel Hill]], squire of Ser [[Mallador Locke]]
*[[Duncan the Tall|Dunk]], squire of Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]]
*{{coa|Tollett|s}} [[Eddison Tollett]], squire of Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]]
*{{coa|Dayne|s}} [[Edric Dayne]], squire of Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]]
*{{coa|Frey|s}} [[Elmar Frey]], squire of Lord [[Roose Bolton]]
*{{coa|Glover|s}} [[Ethan Glover]], squire of [[Brandon Stark]]
*{{coa|Paege|s}} [[Garrett Paege]], squire to Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]
*{{coa|Grafton|s}} [[Gyles Grafton]], squire of Lord [[Robert Arryn]]
*{{coa|None|s}} [[Harrold Darke]], squire of Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]]
*{{coa|Frey|s}} [[Hoster Frey]], squire of Ser [[Damon Paege]]
*{{coa|Hugh of the Vale|s}} [[Hugh of the Vale]], squire of Lord [[Jon Arryn]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Jaime Lannister]], squire of Lord [[Sumner Crakehall]]
*[[Jodge]], squire of Ser [[Dunaver]]
*{{coa|Connington|s}} [[Jon Connington]], squire of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*[[Jon Snow]], squire of Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]]
*{{coa|Peckledon|s}} [[Josmyn Peckledon]], squire to Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]
*{{coa|None|s}} [[Joss Stilwood]], squire of Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]
*{{coa|Massey|s}} [[Justin Massey]], squire of King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Kevan Lannister]], squire of Lord [[Roger Reyne]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Lancel Lannister]], squire of King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*[[Larraq]], squire of Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
*{{coa|Piper|s}} [[Lewys Piper]], squire to Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]
*{{coa|Loras Tyrell|s}} [[Loras Tyrell]], squire to Lord [[Renly Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Roote|s}} [[Lucas Roote]], squire of Ser [[Andrey Charlton]]
*{{coa|Hightower|s}} [[Martyn Hightower (son of Ormund)|Martyn Hightower]], squire of Lord [[Lord Redwyne|Redwyne]]
*{{coa|Frey|s}} [[Merrett Frey]], squire of Lord [[Sumner Crakehall]]
*{{coa|Redfort|s}} [[Mychel Redfort]], squire of Ser [[Lyn Corbray]]
*[[Myles (squire)|Myles]], squire to Ser [[Desmond Grell]]
*{{coa|Mooton|s}} [[Myles Mooton]], squire of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Vance of Atranta|s}} [[Norbert Vance]], squire of Lord [[House Darry|Darry]]
*{{coa|Frey|s}} [[Olyvar Frey]], squire of King [[Robb Stark]]
*{{coa|Sarsfield|s}} [[Pimply squire]], squire of Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]
*{{coa|Payne|s}} [[Podrick Payne]], squire to Ser [[Cedric Payne]], [[Tyrion Lannister]], and [[Brienne of Tarth]]
*{{coa|Martell|s}} Prince [[Quentyn Martell]], squire of Lord [[Anders Yronwood]]
*{{coa|Fossoway of Cider Hall|s}} [[Raymun Fossoway]], squire of Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]]
*[[Red Lamb]], squire of Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
*{{coa|Lonmouth|s}} [[Richard Lonmouth]], squire of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*[[Roger of Pennytree]], squire of Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]]
*{{coa|Westerling|s}} [[Rollam Westerling]], squire of King [[Robb Stark]]
*[[Rolly Duckfield]], squire of Captain-general [[Harry Strickland]]
*[[Russell Stillman]], squire of Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]
*{{coa|Frey|s}} [[Sandor Frey]], squire of Ser [[Donnel Waynwood]]
*[[Satin]], squire of Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]]
*{{coa|Lynderly|s}} [[Terrance Lynderly]], squire of Lord [[Robert Arryn]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Tion Lannister]], squire of Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]
*[[Trystane Truefyre]], squire of Ser [[Perkin the Flea]]
*[[Tumco Lho]], squire of Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Tyrek Lannister]], squire of King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Tywald Lannister]], squire of Lord [[Robert Reyne]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys Targaryen]], squire of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Big Walder Frey|s}} [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder Frey]], squire to [[Ramsay Bolton]]
*{{coa|Little Walder Frey|s}} [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]], squire to [[Ramsay Bolton]]
*{{coa|Massey|s}} [[Wallace Massey]], squire to Ser [[Denys Mallister]]
*[[Watkyn]], squire of Captain-general [[Harry Strickland]]
*[[Wex Pyke]], squire of [[Theon Greyjoy]]
*[[Will (squire)|Will]], squire of Ser [[Uthor Underleaf]]
}}

===Age at knighthood===
Most knights have already [[Age of majority|come of age]] when they [[w:Accolade|receive]] their knighthoods. When Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor Targaryen]] was knighted at the age of sixteen in {{Date|28}}, he was the youngest knight in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] at the time.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} [[Glendon Flowers]],{{Ref|TMK}} Prince [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys Targaryen]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} [[Daemon Targaryen]],{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} [[Barristan Selmy]],{{Ref|ASOS|67}} and [[Kevan Lannister]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}} were also sixteen years old when dubbed.

Exceptional fighters can be knighted at a younger age, however. [[Loras Tyrell]],{{Ref|AWOIAF|Loras Tyrell}} [[Jaime Lannister]],{{Ref|ASOS|11}} and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} were fifteen years old upon receiving their knighthood. [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]] received his knighthood at an exceptionally young age, as he was only twelve years old when he was knighted by his father, King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} 

[[Rhaegar Targaryen]] was newly knighted at seventeen,{{ref|AFFC|24}} and [[Quentyn Martell]],{{Ref|ADWD|6}} [[Tywin Lannister]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} and [[Denys Mallister]]{{Ref|ASOS|78}} were even older, being knighted at the age of eighteen. Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] claimed to be a hedge knight at the age of sixteen or seventeen, which nobles at [[tourney at Ashford Meadow|Ashford Meadow]] did not seem to find objectionable.{{Ref|THK}} Young squires who have proven themselves in battle might be promised knighthood when they come of age.{{Ref|ACOK|65}}

'''Known dubbings:'''
{{Columns|2|
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]], knighted by Ser [[Rickard Redwyne]]
*{{coa|Selmy|s}} [[Barristan Selmy]], knighted by King [[Aegon V Targaryen]]
*{{coa|None|s}} [[Bernarr Brune]], knighted by King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Blackfyre|s}} Prince [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]], knighted by King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]<ref group="N" name="Son dubbings">The only examples we have of a father knighting to his own son are kings Aegon I and Aegon IV.</ref>
*[[Daemon Sand]], knighted by Prince [[Oberyn Martell]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], knighted by Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]
*{{coa|Seaworth|s}} [[Davos Seaworth]], knighted by Lord [[Stannis Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Duncan the Tall|s}} [[Duncan the Tall]], knighted by Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] <small>(dubious)</small>
*[[Glendon Flowers]], knighted by Ser [[Morgan Dunstable]]
*{{coa|Clegane|s}} [[Gregor Clegane]], knighted by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Harrold Hardyng|s}} [[Harrold Hardyng]], knighted by Lord [[Yohn Royce]]
*{{coa|Hugh of the Vale|s}} [[Hugh of the Vale]], knighted by King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Bywater|s}} [[Jacelyn Bywater]], knighted by King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Jaime Lannister]], knighted by Ser [[Arthur Dayne]]
*{{coa|Mormont|s}} [[Jorah Mormont]], knighted by King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor Targaryen]], knighted by King [[Aegon I Targaryen]]<ref group="N" name="Son dubbings"/>
*{{coa|Mooton|s}} [[Myles Mooton]], knighted by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Kettleblack|s}} [[Osmund Kettleblack]], knighted by Ser [[Robert Stone]] <small>(dubious)</small>
*[[Pate of Longleaf]], knighted by Lord [[Petyr Piper]]
*[[Pate the Woodcock]], knighted by Ser [[Joffrey Doggett]]
*{{coa|Martell|s}} Prince [[Quentyn Martell]], knighted by Lord [[Anders Yronwood]]
*{{coa|Fossoway of New Barrel|s}} [[Raymun Fossoway]], knighted by Ser [[Lyonel Baratheon]]
*[[Red Lamb]], knighted by Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
*{{coa|Lonmouth|s}} [[Richard Lonmouth]], knighted by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Redwyne|s}} [[Rickard Redwyne]], knighted by King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
*[[Rolly Duckfield]], knighted by Ser [[Jon Connington]]
*[[Russell Stillman]], knighted by Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]
*{{coa|Peake|s}} [[Titus Peake (son of Unwin)|Titus Peake]], knighted by Ser [[Jon Roxton]]
*[[Tumco Lho]], knighted by Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
*{{coa|Lannister|s}} [[Tywald Lannister]], knighted by Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Brotherhood without banners|s}} Several members of the [[brotherhood without banners]], knighted by Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]] <small>(declaring them the "knights of the [[hollow hill]]")</small>
}}

===Conditions for knighthood===
Most squires are knighted some time after coming of age. Some men are knighted before then, by demonstrating their prowess in tourneys, such as Daemon Blackfyre,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} or in battle,{{Ref|ACOK|65}}{{Ref|ASOS|4}} such as Jaime Lannister.{{Ref|ASOS|11}} Underage squires might be knighted on the battlefield as they lay dying, such as [[Tywald Lannister]].<ref name="westerlands">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'': [http://www.georgerrmartin.com/world-of-ice-and-fire-sample/ The Westerlands (unabridged)]</ref> Men can also ask for knighthood before being executed, such as [[Trystane Truefyre]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

The motivation for receiving knighthood can be political. [[Laenor Velaryon]] was knighted because he was to marry [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the [[Princess of Dragonstone]], and it was thought that the prince consort of the Seven Kingdoms should be a knight.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Knighthood can also be acquired in less honorable ways. Tales are told of knights who gained their knighthoods with favors, coin, and threats. It was said that [[Glendon Ball]] sold his [[maiden]] sister's virginity in exchange for receiving his knighthood.{{Ref|TMK}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], [[Perkin the Flea]] gave the honor to "every sellsword, thief, and butcher's boy", to recruit hundreds of [[gutter knights]] for Trystane Truefyre's army amid the [[riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]] knights the men of the [[brotherhood without banners]] regardless of their station and calls them the "knights of the [[hollow hill]]".{{Ref|ASOS|34}}{{Ref|ASOS|39}}

===Conditions preventing knighthood===
Men with physical disabilities that prevent them from taking on the expected duties of a knight cannot gain knighthood. For example, [[Bran Stark]], [[Willas Tyrell]], and [[Mollander]] cannot be knights because of their disabilities.{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|ASOS|38}}{{Ref|AFFC|0}} It can be assumed that other cripples of noble birth, such as [[Albin Massey]], [[Larys Strong]] and [[Lothar Frey]], were denied knighthood for the same reason. As a squire, [[Merrett Frey]] was denied knighthood by Lord [[Sumner Crakehall]] due to the head injuries he received in the campaign against the [[Kingswood Brotherhood]], which caused blinding headaches from even the lightest blow to his head.{{Ref|ASOS|81}} [[Tyrion Lannister]] knew from an early age his [[Dwarf|dwarfism]] would prevent him from becoming a knight.{{Ref|ADWD|5}} Other physical conditions that hinder a knight's duties, such as obesity and disinclination to martial training (for example, [[Samwell Tarly]]), would be another reason men do not become knights.<ref name=info/> [[Lackwit|Mental disabilities]] also preclude knighthood.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Some men do not become knights for lack of interest, although they are physically qualified. Followers of the [[old gods]] do not tend to be knighted, as knighthood is an [[Andal]] tradition usually requiring standing a vigil in a [[sept]] and vows to [[the Seven]].{{Ref|AGOT|53}}<ref name=info/> (However, there are exceptions, such as the knighthood process performed by the [[R'hllor]]-worshipping [[Beric Dondarrion]] and his [[brotherhood without banners]].{{Ref|ASOS|39}}) Some men reject knighthood for personal reasons, such as [[Sandor Clegane]].{{Ref|AGOT|29}} Some warriors cannot be knighted on grounds of their sex, such as [[Brienne of Tarth]]{{Ref|ACOK|22}} and [[Jonquil Darke]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

Some squires choose to never become a knight, and live the rest of their lives as squires. This may be because the individual does not have the inclination to live a knight's martial lifestyle, or does not have the funds to properly equip himself.<ref name=info/> According to [[George R. R. Martin]]: {{Quote|We tend to think of squires as teenaged boys, knights in training, but that is only part of the truth. Historically, there were many men who spent their entire lives as squires, and never became knights. It was quite common to have thirty- and forty-year-old squires, even some in their fifties. Such men perhaps did not have the wealth to become knights (knights had to pay for their own equipment), or perhaps did not have the inclination. They were the medieval counterparts of the career army sergeant who has no desire to be promoted to lieutenant, let alone general.<ref name=info/>}}

===Ceremony===
[[File:Jason Engle knighted.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A man being knighted by [[Tywin Lannister]]. Art by Jason Engle © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Any knight can make a knight. However, kings can make knights as well, even if they were never knighted themselves.<ref name=info /> On the other hand, lords cannot dub someone a knight if they have not previously been knighted themselves.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Comic_Con_San_Diego_CA_July_20_232/ Comic-Con (San Diego, CA; July 20-23) (July 23, 2006)]</ref> 

Knighthood is partially a religious matter, as it is usually open only to followers of the [[Faith of the Seven]].<ref name=religion>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1191 Religion and Knighthood (December 28, 2001)]</ref> There are several variations of ceremonies. It is customary to stand vigil in a sept the night before one receives knighthood.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}{{Ref|THK}} This vigil is carried out before the figure of  [[Warrior (the Seven)|the Warrior]]. The sword might be placed before or upon the figure, and the armor in a pile at the statue’s base.{{Ref|AFFC|8}} At times, the knights-to-be might walk barefoot from the sept to the location where they are to receive their knighthood, to prove their humble hearts.{{Ref|acok|65}} The six hundred knights who were dubbed after the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], also wore  shifts of undyed wool, and marked receiving their knighthood by the putting on a swordbelt after being dubbed.{{Ref|ACOK|65}} Before taking a knight's vows, a septon might anoint the knight-to-be with the seven oils.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}{{Ref|THK}} Being anointed by the [[High Septon]] is considered to be a great honor.{{Ref|AGOT|3}} However, men can also be dubbed a knight without exercising these customs, for example on the battlefield (e.g., [[Tywald Lannister]]).<ref name="westerlands" /> Witnesses might be present at the moment of receiving knighthood,{{ref|TMK}} although this is not a requirement.{{Ref|thk}}

When knighting someone in a formal manner, the dubber speaks the knight-to-be's name and House, if he has one. The dubber touches the subject on the right shoulder with his sword, and while placing the sword on the other shoulder following every sentence says:{{ref|THK}}
{{Quote|In the name of [[Warrior (the Seven)|the Warrior]] I charge you to be brave. In the name of [[Father (the Seven)|the Father]] I charge you to be just. In the name of [[Mother (the Seven)|the Mother]] I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of [[Maiden (the Seven)|the Maid]] I charge you to protect all women....{{Ref|THK}}}}

In a less formal knighting ceremony, the dubber lays his sword upon the knight-to-be's right shoulder, and says:{{Ref|ASOS|39}}
{{Quote|[Name of knight-to-be], do you swear before the eyes of gods and men to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to protect all women and children, to obey your captains, your liege lord, and your king, to fight bravely when needed and do such other tasks as are laid upon you, however hard or humble or dangerous they may be?}}
After the subject who is being knighted confirms that he will do as asked, the sword is moved to the left shoulder, and the dubber will say that the newly-made knight can rise.{{Ref|ASOS|39}}

==Practices==
Knights are supposed to be honorable and follow the chivalric codes.{{ref|adwd|67}} They are expected to be brave and just,{{ref|thk}} and to defend the innocent,{{Ref|THK}} the weak,{{Ref|THK}} and women.{{Ref|ACOK|32}} Knights are expected to train and lead a group of [[men-at-arms]].<ref name=info/>

Knights preferably have multiple [[horse]]s, including one to travel on and another to ride in [[tourney]]s and in battle.{{Ref|THK}} Some knights refuse to name their horses, so they are less likely to feel attached to them, as horses are likely to die in battle.{{ref|tss}}{{ref|affc|27}}

The host of a tourney decides whether only knights, or also sellswords, squires, and [[freerider]]s are allowed to compete. The [[Reach]], the heart of the chivalric tradition in the Seven Kingdoms, is the most likely place to encounter a tourney only for knights.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Tourney_Rules Tourney Rules (April 29, 1999)]</ref> During the joust, the man who loses the tilt usually has to give up his armor and horse.{{Ref|thk}}{{ref|tmk}} For a poor knight, this might represent a danger. So long as a knight is armed and horsed, he remains a knight of sorts, but without, they are little more than a beggar.{{Ref|TMK}}

==Types of knights==
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Army of Scorpions II.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Knights of [[House Qorgyle]] leading the charge by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Several different types of knights can be identified:
*[[Landed knight]]s are knights with a [[keep]] and lands of their own. Although members of [[nobility]], and wealthier landed knights might hold more land than the poorest lords do, they do not have the authority to deliver [[law and justice]].<ref name=knightslords/><ref name=ownership/>{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
*[[Hedge knight]]s are so called because they "sleep in the hedges as often as not".<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Effects_of_Winter/ The Effects of Winter (June 21, 2001)]</ref> They are nearer to common servants than noble knights in the eyes of most lords.{{Ref|TMK}} They spend their lives riding from keep to keep, taking service with different lords until the lords have no more need for them and sent them off.{{Ref|THK}} Hedge knights have an unsavory reputation,{{Ref|AFFC|4}} and merchants are notoriously mistrustful of them.{{Ref|THK}} Hedge knights gone rogue are referred to as robber knights.{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|AFFC|4}}
*[[Household knight]]s are landless knights who have been taken into the service of a lord.{{Ref|THK}}
*[[Knights inquisitor]] are agents of the [[Iron Throne]] tasked with investigating and punishing threats.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
*[[Tourney knight]]s are knights renowned for their feats in tournaments.
*[[Robber knight]]s are knights that have turned to banditry,{{Ref|THK}} such as the [[Smiling Knight]] of the [[Kingswood Brotherhood]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}}
*The term [[true knight]] refers to an ideal knight who upholds all qualities for which knighthood stands for. Each knight, no matter which kind of knight, should ideally aspire to live up to these standards.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}

As knighthood is associated with the [[Faith of the Seven]], there are fewer [[northern knight]]s, as only a few northern houses worship the Seven. [[Northern cavalry]] are just as fierce, loyal, and honorable as knights are.{{Ref|AGOT|56}} However, despite being the northern equivalent of knights, it is not quite the same as being a knight, on account of the prestige that a knighthood contains.<ref name=religion/> [[House Manderly]], originally from the Reach, is one of the few great houses of the North to follow the [[Faith of the Seven]] instead of the [[old gods]] and thus have a strong tradition of knighthood.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Most northern knights live in the southern regions of the north<ref name=drowned>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Drowned_God_and_More The Drowned God and More (July 14, 1999)]</ref> (although not in the [[Neck]]{{Ref|ASOS|24}}), such as [[White Harbor]], the seat of House Manderly, as they are more exposed to [[southron]] influences.<ref name=drowned/> In fact, most of the known northern knights are either Manderlys or servants to them, such as Ser [[Wendel Manderly|Wendel]] and Ser [[Wylis Manderly]], Ser [[Kyle Condon]],{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} and Ser [[Bartimus]], with the latter being an example of a northern knight who does not hold to the Faith of the Seven.{{Ref|ADWD|29}} But there are also northern knights from very northern regions, such as Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] of [[Bear Island]];{{ref|AWOIAF|Jorah Mormont}} according to Magister [[Illyrio Mopatis]], Jorah was anointed by the [[High Septon]] when he became a knight.{{ref|AGOT|3}}

Because most [[ironborn]] follow the [[Drowned God]] instead of the Seven,{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} knighthood is also rare in the [[Iron Islands]]. Two examples of ironborn knights are Ser [[Harras Harlaw]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} and Ser [[Aladale Wynch]].{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

The [[gutter knights]] were the hundreds of followers of [[Trystane Truefyre]] in [[King's Landing]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], so-named because they were all knighted by Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], even [[sellsword]]s and thieves.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|I am a knight. I shall die a knight.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]]'s court}}

{{Quote|What do you think a knight is for, girl?  You think it’s all taking favors from ladies and looking fine in gold plate? Knights are for killing.{{Ref|ACOK|52}}|[[Sandor Clegane]] to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Knights may keep their truces with other knights, but they are not so careful of their honor when dealing with those they deem [[outlaw]].{{Ref|ACOK|66}}|[[Black Lorren]] to [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|I have seen a hundred [[tourney|tournaments]] and more wars than I would wish, and however strong or fast or skilled a knight may be, there are others who can match him.{{Ref|ASOS|8}}|[[Barristan Selmy|Arstan Whitebeard]] to [[Jorah Mormont]]}}

{{Quote|Any knight can make a knight, and every man you see before you has felt a sword upon his shoulder.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Beric Dondarrion]] to [[Sandor Clegane]]}}

{{Quote|'''Sandor''': Might be you are knights after all. You lie like knights, maybe you murder like knights.<br>
'''Beric''': Say what you mean, Clegane.<br>
'''Sandor''': A knight's a sword with a horse. The rest, the vows and the sacred oils and the lady’s favors, they’re silk ribbons tied round the sword.  Maybe the sword’s prettier with ribbons hanging off it, but it will kill you just as dead.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Sandor Clegane]] and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

{{Quote|Some knights are dark and full of terrors. War makes monsters of us all.{{Ref|AFFC|42}}|[[Thoros of Myr]] to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|In my [[Seven Kingdoms]], knights go on quests to prove themselves worthy of the maiden that they love.  They seek for magic swords, for chests of gold, for crowns stolen from a [[dragon]]'s hoard.{{Ref|ADWD|23}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]}}

{{Quote|Knights defend the weak and protect the innocent, they say.  And I am the fairest maid in all [[Volantis]].{{Ref|ADWD|27}}|The [[widow of the waterfront]] to [[Jorah Mormont]]}}

{{Quote|Night work is not knight's work.{{Ref|ADWD|46}}|[[Barbrey Dustin]] to [[Aenys Frey]]}}

{{Quote|Without honor, a knight is no more than a common killer. It is better to die with honor than to live without it.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to his squires}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References|2}}

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