How to Be a Knight

If chivalry, loyalty and a penchant for heavy metal armour interests you, you may be well suited to being a knight. Once the domain of the noble-born, knighthood can be achieved through hard work, dedication and the benevolence of a lord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Armor
• Sword
• Shield
• Lance
• Horse
• Page
• Squire
• Lady's token

1. Put in your time as a page. Ask your parents at an early age to send you to the nearest castle to train with the lord of the manor. He gives a glimpse into the life of a knight and teaches practical things such as how to dress him in his armor. Spend downtime practicing with a blunt sword and learning to ride a horse by climbing on the back of bigger pages.
2. Graduate to being a squire. As the right-hand man of a knight, you're up close and personal with the lifestyle. Learn to ride a real horse while carrying weapons and get fitted for armor. Practice hand-to-hand combat with real knights. Try to let them win.
3. Prepare to receive your knighthood. Word comes to you that you're ready for the highest honor. The night before you are dubbed, do not sleep or eat. Spend the hours praying to purify your soul, followed by a warm bath in the morning. Dress in a white tunic for the ceremony and give your confession to a priest.
4. Get thee dubbed Sir Knight. Kneel before a lord as he taps you gently on each shoulder with a sword, bestowing you the title of knight. Accept your sword and lance and go out to protect the kingdom.
5. Win the hand of a fair maiden. Chivalry is never dead to a knight. Find a lady and accept a handkerchief or other small token from her to carry into battle. Swear to triumph in her name.
6. Assemble your own support staff of pages and squires. Travel around, challenging other knights to jousts or sword fights and slay dragons.

Tips & Warnings

• Think long and hard about becoming a page, since you probably won't ever see your family again. Glory comes at a price.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
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