So You Wanna Be a Knight

(This was also written for my Britlit class)

Knighthood conjures up many images: the victorious champion at a tournament; the strong warrior defending the common serf; the pious Christian fighting for the Holy Land; the gallant gentleman courting the gentle lady; and the resolved youth setting out in search of the Holy Grail. Knights are the elite, the uncommon, those set apart from the ordinary and average. If you truly want to be a knight, you have a lot to live up to.

First, you need a horse. No knight is complete without a horse. The horse distinguishes you in battle from the common foot soldier. And you'll need armor, of course. Those tournaments can be brutal, and good armor can mean the difference between death and bruised ribs. Choose your weapons wisely: inferior lances shatter on a whim, and shoddy swords snap at the most inconvenient times. If you want to be a good knight, you must be properly equipped.

There is, however, a side of knighthood that is far more important than shiny metal plates and sharpened wooden sticks. There are certain moral, ethical, and spiritual standards you must meet. Being a knight is not all fun and games, but you must never shirk from your duty. Whatever your leige lord instructs you to do, do it without murmuring. You must stay loyal to your country and true to your king. You must defend those weaker than yourself. Keep your temper, even when churlish louts insult you for no good reason.

Be confident in your strength, but do not exalt yourself above the One who gives you that strength. He can just as easily take it away. Trust always in Christ, and give him honor in all that you do. You may find it helpful to paint a picture of the Queen of Heaven on the inside of your shield. This will inspire you in battle, and your valor will not fail you. Be ever virtuous and of pure character. Be willing to fight for your faith, even if it takes you to foreign lands you don't have any interest in. Don't give anyone reason to speak ill of you. Be honest: if your host's wife gives you a girdle, give it back. And if you make a mistake, 'fess up. It's more likely that you'll have an Order of Knighthood established for you if you come clean.

Cleanliness is next to godliness. No damsel in distress is looking for a knight in dimsal, shabby armor. Keep yourself tidy and your equipment in good repair. Take care of your horse: he's more than a beast of burden, he is your status symbol. And riding beats walking, hands down. Always be courteous with the ladies, no matter how annoying they may be. You never know if they're a sorceress in disguise, just waiting for the chance to make you mute or turn you into a dwarf. Be courteous to even the lowliest of the servants, for they might have access to your food and prepare a nasty surprise. Be compassionate with all men, and do your best to be compassionate with the women.

It's a good deal to live up to, I know, but if Sir Lancelot can do it, you certainly can.