Meet the Middle Ages

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Knights

The knights were the highest in rank among the nobility. The King selected the men he believed to be loyal to him; useful and trustworthy people. He would knight them. This took place at some special occasion; at the crowning of a King or at a royal wedding or at visits by foreign royalty. It was a great honour to be given a knighthood. Wealthy noblemen of all ages, from 20 to 60 years old, were knighted.

Before the ceremony of dubbing took place, the knights-to-be had to fast and pray. The ceremony took place in a large church; many people were present. At the service, the knight had to take an oath of chivalry:

"Before the Almighty God, the Virgin Mary and St. Erik, I swear to
- protect the Christian faith
- defend the Holy Church
- stand up for peace and justice
- protect orphans, widows, virgins and paupers
- obey my King
- honour my knighthood to the best of my ability
So help me God and all his Saints"

The King then performed the ceremony of dubbing with a sword. The knight received the tokens of his knighthood: a sword and a shield. After the service a feast began, which lasted for several days.

The greatest number of knights dubbed on one occasion was at the crowning of King Erik of Pommern in Kalmar in 1397. Then, !33 noblemen from Denmark, Sweden and Norway were knighted.