Few historical characters have captured the imagination quite like the brave knights of old. Courtesy of many centuries of myth and legend, knights and knighthoods are among the most intriguing and beloved of aristocratic ranks. 

But who were the knights of the ages? What did they do? What happened to them? And what about modern-day knights – do they still exist? 

Here are some fascinating knighthood facts to help you know more about these endlessly appealing noble figures.  

The Most Famous Knights

The most famous fictional knights were undoubtedly the Knights of The Round Table. These were the legendary characters that populated the stories and fables told through the centuries about the famous King Arthur and his band of valiant knights. 

Favorite characters from these knighthood legends include Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Perceval and Tristan, along with the fabled ladies of the stories; Queen Guinevere and the Lady of The Lake. Even the weapons of choice became a part of the legend, with Arthur’s sword Excalibur having a name and narrative of its own. 

Although the Arthurian tales of knighthood and chivalry were popular for centuries, historians believe they were not accounts of real historical characters. Instead, it’s likely that they were originally based on real people and events, but the names and events were the result of many generations of retelling, along with a good deal of imagination and poetic license.  

The Most Historic Knights

Although the fictional tales of knights and knighthood were popular for centuries, the Crusades of the Middle Ages resulted in a real-life Order of Knights that also captured the imagination of the masses: The Knights Templar. 

The Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades.
The Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades – By anonymus – http://classes.bnf.fr/ema/images/3/chrono/7-1.jpg, Public Domain, Link

The official name of these iconic knights was The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, which reveals a little of the history of the Knights Templar. Originally, they were commissioned with protecting vulnerable travelers during dangerous times. These altruistic origins are likely the source of so many tales of bravery and chivalry that contributed to the knightly legends. In reality, despite many good and honorable knights, there were certainly those of more dubious moral codes. The stories of wealth and corruption that emerged from the history of the Knights Templar are likely what led to the ultimate disbanding of the order. 

Whatever the truth behind the rise and fall of these famous knights, the good works and the great stories that emerged from the Knights Templar have captivated millions around the world for centuries. 

The Knightly Virtues

As the number of Orders of Knights grew throughout the Middle Ages, certain Codes of Conduct began to emerge. These became known as the Knightly Virtues and included a range of positive qualities that became accepted as a chivalric code sometime around the 1200s. 

The precise virtues may have varied between the different orders, especially as these evolved over the centuries, but these Rules of Chivalry all followed a similar theme and comprised the following Knightly Virtues; 

Protection

Loyalty

Courage

Duty

Honesty

Faith

Generosity

Discipline

Honor

Gallantry

Fairness

Military Prowess

Mercy

Nobility

Justice

Modern Knights & Knighthoods

The stereotypical image of knighthood may be a thing of the past, yet there are still Orders of Knights around the world, many of which are thriving. Perhaps the most famous modern knighthoods are those connected to the British Royal Family. These are the famous Honors Lists that grant contemporary Knighthoods and Damehoods to worthy citizens in modern society. 

The popular British Honors List Knighthoods are not the only orders that have endured to the present day. There are a few historic groups around the world, some of which grant knighthoods and awards to new members. These include the Order of Saint John, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, and the famous French Order of the Legion of Honour. 

How To Become A Knight

The facts and fables of knights and knighthoods have enduring appeal, as popular in modern culture as they were during the perilous medieval times. Yet, beyond movies and literature, the days of courageous armor-clad heroes on horseback are long gone. 

However, for those who still delight in the idea of becoming a noble knight, there is good news. Even in modern times, there are a number of possible routes to attaining a knighthood and joining the ranks of the valiant shingling-armor legends of the ages. 

Being granted a Knighthood from one of the remaining Chivalric Orders is an option for a number of people. For those who have devoted their lives to a particular worthy cause – one that advances the well-being of humanity, the environment or science, or supports important charitable works – there’s a chance that the governing powers will recognise and reward such sterling contributions with a formal Knighthood. Military excellence and bravery are other ways to become a potential nominee for a modern honors award

Inheriting a Knighthood may also be a possibility for some. In recent times, particularly with the modern evolution of the honors systems, knighthoods have become less of a hereditary asset, and more a token of recognition valid solely for the recipient, rather than future generations. However, ancient Knighthoods that have survived to modern times may have been hereditary gifts. If this kind of honor is in your family lineage, it may be that you could one day inherit the Knighthood. 

There is also a little-known alternative route to becoming a knight and joining the historic heroes of legend and infamy. This is the opportunity to purchase a genuine Knighthood, complete with official certificates and even heraldic medals (the hallmarks of a bona fide Knighthood). 

Many people assume that all the famous Orders of Knights no longer exist, but those with the right connections can source and purchase a historic Knighthood as a commercial transaction. 

With the days of King Arthur and courtly favorites a thing of the past, these are the remaining routes to acquiring a Knighthood and fulfilling the age-old dream of becoming a knight.