knights
zaidalbarmawi
responsibilities of a knight
The knight would train to be the best warrior he could be
The knight would be bound by the code of chivalry
benefits and restrictions
the benefits where You were part of an order and brotherhood that was very wealthy well connected and lived above the law
Medieval aristocracy showered you with wealth and land possessions.Many powerful people owed you great debts that needed to be repaid
but the restrictions where that
your wealth and power was not yours you were in the service of a grand master or head templar that could control everything about your life.
You may have to fight in combat
You had to be devoutly religious
daily life of a knight
The knight, as with most every one else, had his day regulated by the sun. He rose at or before dawn to hear mass in his chapel, perhaps, or else he consulted with his officials, judged cases and saw to other business. A modest breakfast entered in here, usually just some bread and wine. Hot breakfasts are a modern innovation.
These various duties generally consumed the morning. Dinner was the big meal of the day, served sometime around mid-day, even before noon.
The rest of the day was usually spent in recreation. There might be entertainment to follow dinner jugglers, acrobats, especially if there were visitors. If the weather were poor, the entertainment often included gambling or games.
Let the weather be fine, though, and the knight would spend the day hunting. Hunting was an excellent exercise for the knight. It was usually done on horseback and in groups, and was in every way a rehearsal for war. The knights got their physical exercise, put in time in the saddle, wielded their weapons, and worked out the logistics of keeping dozens of men in some sort of teamwork over open and broken ground.
Deer and wild boar were prized targets: the deer provided meat and a merry chase, while the the boar was deadly and tasty. Wolves, wild dogs and wild cats were hunted because they threatened livestock and even people. Smaller game, such as rabbits, were an opportunity to hunt with the dogs. Many knights kept kennels and a good hunting dog was as much prized then as now.
Hawking was a somewhat different pastime, regarded as appropriate for the ladies, though practiced avidly by men as well. Falconry was the sport of kings.
Light came from torches, so everyone went to bed at sundown, usually. Nevertheless, we do hear of late-night revels and midnight feasts, with plenty of candles and torches and fireplaces to light up the festivities. Certain masses were also conducted at night.