THE KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR

If we seek one figure to exemplify the spirit of the Middle Ages, we would select, in all likelihood, the Knight-at-arms. Courageous and daring in battle, he was the sworn enemy of injustice and evil. Modest and gentle in his daily life, he was the devoted servant to womankind. Always obedient to his earthly lord, he was devout in his worship of the Lord on High. Dressed as directed by the Apostle Paul, in the whole armor of God, he daily upheld the code of chivalry. This was the image of the perfect knight.

To be dubbed a knight conferred such status that even princes considered it a great honor, for knighthood was not a privilege bestowed automatically on the nobility. The rank had to be pursued through long years of training, beginning in childhood, and then won by valorous conduct on the field of battle. It had to be maintained in times of peace through competition in tournaments and jousts. Thus, when a knight was dressed in shining armor and mounted on a spirited steed, he was truly an impressive figure, magically more than human: He was the embodiment of chivalry itself.