True knight

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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 and held in the very highest esteem. Very few knights are considered true knights, achieving and maintaining such high and noble ideals is a hard duty.

Culture

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

A true knight 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 is moved from the right shoulder to the left:

In the name of the Father I charge you to be just.

The sword is moved back to the right shoulder:

In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent.

The sword is moved back to the left shoulder:

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 A Song of Ice and Fire.

Chivalric code

True knights are supposed to:

  • Be brave and just.
  • Defend the young and innocent, especially women who can not defend themselves.[2][3][4][5]
  • Be cleanly as well as godly.[1]
  • Act with military courtesy: in combat when nobles and knights are taken prisoner, their lives are spared and are often held for ransom.

Alleged True Knights

Quotes

No True Knight - by Heliotropa ©

This man protected the weak, as every true knight must.[1]

- Baelor Targaryen to Maekar Targaryen, regarding Duncan the Tall


Sansa: He was no true knight.
Sandor: No. No, little bird, he was no true knight.[6]

- Sansa Stark and Sandor Clegane, regarding Gregor Clegane


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. They are no true knights, not one of them. [5]

- thoughts of Sansa Stark after being beaten by Boros Blount


Sansa: True knights protect the weak.
Sandor: There are no true knights, no more than there are gods. If you can't protect yourself, die and get out of the way of those who can. Sharp steel and strong arms rule this world, don't ever believe any different.[7]

- Sansa Stark and Sandor Clegane


There are gods and there are true knights too. All the stories can't be lies.[7]

- thoughts of Sansa Stark


A true knight must defend the gentler sex.[2]

- Ser Creighton Longbough to Brienne of Tarth


A true knight is the only shield a maiden needs.[2]

- Ser Creighton Longbough to Brienne of Tarth


Old or young, a true knight is sworn to protect those who are weaker than himself, or die in the attempt.[4]

- Brienne of Tarth


You are a true knight, Ser Lyle, to help a lady in distress.[3]

- Amerei Frey to Lyle Crakehall


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.[8]

- Barristan Selmy, educating his squires in the Great Pyramid

References and Notes