How to Be a Medieval Knight (How to Be)

Imagine that you are living in medieval Europe. Knights are among the top 5% of the population in status and wealth-that is what you want to be! Do you come from the top rank of society? Do you know the duties a knight is expected to perform, and the skills that are needed?

The reader will learn exactly what the requirements for being a knight are. Knights generally left home at age 8 and were in training until they were 21. Gradually advancing from a page or a groom, knights-in-training became squires between the ages of 14 and 21. You will need to practice swordsmanship and horse-riding skills. You must have your own war-horse, weapons, and armor.

You will go on long campaigns, perhaps even a Crusade. You'll be away from home for long periods of time-maybe even years. Other times you may be barricaded inside your lord's castle during a siege.

For entertainment knights do what they do best-fight! But during tournaments the only battles are fake ones, meant to show which knights are thestrongest and most clever. What else will you do while you are not at war?

You will run your estate, give feasts followed by dancing, oversee the village court, and help the needy. And you will use your best manners to impress the ladies of the court. Perhaps you will sing, play an instrument, or recite poetry!

What will your future be like? Who will take care of you if you are injured, or sick? What will happen when you die? All of your questions will be answered to prepare you for the job interview section at the end of the book-a clever way to test if you are ready to become a medieval knight!

Are your estates in order? Can you recite poetry, or sing, or play a lute? Have you had your hair cut, squire? Are you sitting comfortably in all that armor? Will you perform your duties with honor and chivalry? Are you really worthy of pursuing your destiny as a knight of olde, among the elite of medieval society in status and wealth? You know you are! So arise, Sir Reader, and go forth and nobly answer your calling.