Difference between revisions of "True knight"

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(References and Notes)
(True Knights)
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*Ser [[Erryk]]
 
*Ser [[Erryk]]
 
*Ser [[Gerold Hightower]], the White Bull
 
*Ser [[Gerold Hightower]], the White Bull
*Ser [[Arthur Dayne]], the Sword of the Morning
+
*Ser [[Arthur Dayne]], the [[Sword of the Morning]]
 
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], was knighted in his 16th year by King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] after performing great feats of prowess as a [[mystery knight]] in the winter tourney at King's Landing.{{Ref|aSoS|67}}
 
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], was knighted in his 16th year by King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] after performing great feats of prowess as a [[mystery knight]] in the winter tourney at King's Landing.{{Ref|aSoS|67}}
 
*Ser [[Dunk|Duncan the Tall]]
 
*Ser [[Dunk|Duncan the Tall]]

Revision as of 06:38, 23 August 2012

A true knight embodies all that a knight should be, that is, a perfect knight exemplifying all the qualities of what knighthood stands for. He is a shining example to all. Very few knights are considered true knights, achieving and maintaining such high and noble ideals is a hard duty.

There are Westerosi songs and stories, particularly those depicting honorable knights and chivalry, that are very popular amongst all stratas of the society.

He must fully embrace the oath of knighthood:

a touch on the right shoulder with the blade. "In the name of the Warrior I charge you to be brave."
The sword moves from right shoulder to left. "In the name of the Father I charge you to be just."
Right shoulder. "In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent."
The left. "In the name of the Maid I charge you to protect all women....[1]

Sansa Stark is captivated by the concept of the true knight at the beginning of the novels.

Chivalric code

True knights are supposed to be:

  • Brave and Just
  • Defend the young and innocent, especially women who can not defend themselves.
  • Cleanly as well as godly[2]
  • Act with military courtesy, in combat when nobles and knights were taken prisoner, their lives were spared and were often held for ransom.

True Knights

Quotes

He was no true knight

- Sansa Stark, to Sandor Clegane, on Ser Gregor Clegane

It is chivalry which makes a true knight, not a sword … without honor, a knight is no more than a common killer. It is better to die with honor than to live without it.

- Ser Barristan Selmy, educating his squires in the Great Pyramid

This man protected the weak, as every true knight must.[4]

- Baelor Breakspear

Knights are sworn to defend the weak, protect women, and fight for the right, but none of them did a thing. Only Ser Dontos had tried to help, and he was no longer a knight. No more than the Imp was, nor the Hound … the Hound hated knights … I hate them too, Sansa thought. They are no true knights, not one of them. [5]

- twelve-year old Sansa Stark, after being beaten by knights

There are gods, … and there are true knights too. All the stories can’t be lies.

- Sansa Stark

References and Notes

  1. The Hedge Knight: 518
  2. The Hedge Knight p.464
  3. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  4. The Hedge Knight, Legends, ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 520 of 457-533; Graphic Novel, page 55.
  5. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 32, Sansa III.