Q# What is a Knight in Historical terms - A Knight in medieval times was an elite warrior taken straight from the military ranks to fight for the liege lord. Be they King or land owner.
Q# What is a Knight in Today's terms? - Knighthood & Chivalry still exists just not in the public eye as much. For in those days of yore there were bards and minstrels to carry on the tales. Now, well alot of them wouldn't ask for the publicity.
Q#: Is there a list of Recommended Readings? A# Yes at Knights & Chivalry Bibliography
Q#: What is the difference between a Knight and a Dame? A#: A Knight is the title given to a man and Dame is the title given to a woman. However, the heart and duties are usually the same within Orders.
Q#: Knights were only based with royalty?
A#: Not all were and are based among royalty. History has shown this
to be true. While there were knights with Kings and Queens, there were
many that worked for Lords and Ladies or as Knight Errants.
Q#: What is a Knight Errant?
A# A Knight Errant is a knight that is in search of adventure or money.
Being a knight or having a knight in ones employ was very expensive. Today,
there are still Knight Errants though the meaning is different many work
towards a particular goal. Like research, historical work or archaeology,
medical work or writing this FAQ to name a few.
Q#: What is Fons Honorum?
A# Fons Honorum is the royal or papal prerogative to give permission
or to give the honor and ranks of Knights and Dames.
Q#: Can people do genealogy research on Knights?
A#: Yes, researching a knight is a very interesting portion of genealogy.
To properly research a knight or a dame the full name of the individual
the country and/or city of origin and any other information that can be
found about the person.
Q#: What is the most thought of Knight in Fiction or History? (From
March 97 Survey Results)
A#: Sir Launcelot followed by William the Marshall
Q#: Where can find some Knights Pictures on the internet or in books? A#: Pictures on the internet are hard to find as soon some are located - the sites will be noted here. In books-Try the Dover Publications list for books on medieval weaponry and heraldry.
Q#: Can weapons used by knights be discussed in the newsgroup?
A#: Yes! As long as it pertains to the historical sense and usage.
Historical sense meaning the weapons used in the Middle Ages. Not everyone
on the newsgroup has had experiences with modern weaponry and warfare.
Q#: Why do Knights and Dames Exist in today's Society? A#: Knighthood's ideals never grow old. Most the the old codes of chivalry do apply today. Though, interpreted slightly different.
Q#: Are religiously based knights important?
A#: Depends on the importance you're looking for. Certainly religiously-based
Orders of chivalry of Knighthood have their place in history, but for an
Order to be important it need not be religious in origin. To more
specifically answer your question, I would say that religious-based Knights
are no more/less important then non-religious-based Orders. Chivalry
is not based on religion, but on a personal code of what's right, and what's
wrong.
(from the July/August Knights
and Chivalry Survey 98)
Q#: Are religious knighthoods still around? A#: Yes! Many of the most noted Orders are indeed religiously based.
Q#: Does the Catholic Church have Patron Saints for Knights? A#: There are many Saints attributed to Knights and Dames. An Angel: Michael the Archangel. - Saint names in the names of orders - a partial list: St John, St Lazarus, St Sebastian, St Victor. Any Others?
Q#: Does any other country besides England have or had Orders and Knights? A#: Yes, other countries do have Orders and Knights. The Knighttage can be found all over the world. Just a few of the countries with Knights are: Brazil, Italy, The Holy See (AKA: The Vatican).
Q# Name an aspect of knighthood that fascinates you? A# 1) The aspect of Knighthood that fascinates me the most is the code(s) of Knighthood. Although not chiseled in stone, the Chivalric goals of Knighthood in its purest sense are (IMHO), what makes a Knight. To be able to achieve these goals would "validate" a life. [Survey: Feb 1998]
Q# Which crusade is your favorite to study? If you don't have a favorite - then: Which one would you like to study about? A# 1) Would have to be the Third Crusade. I am not an expert on the crusades, however this one may have involved some of the best known participants and historical publicity. Philip of France, Richard (The Lionheart) of England and Saladin have received a great deal of press over the years and are probably the best known (at least in the West). Although not as successful as the First Crusade (you could call it a failure), it is the one that interests me the most. [Survey: Feb 1998]
May/June - July/August 1999 Questions:
Q# What would be the modern knights goals in today's society?
A# 1) The goal of the modern Knight is the same as our brethren from times
gone by. To assist the widow and orphan, to make peace where there is war,
to right wrongs, and to serve the King. Q# What would you consider
to be the role of the horse in knightly history? A# 1) The horse played
an important part for the knights of old. Transportation, a 'badge'
if you would of there noble office, and a platform from which to fight
from. The word Chivalry is a French word, meaning 'horse handler', the
original meaning of the word was one who handles horses. [Survey: May/June/July/Aug
1999]
This newsgroup welcomes all questions about Knights, Dames, Chivalry, Knighthood, information sharing, relating news of, genealogical research, historical weaponry, literature discussions & poetry.