INTRODUCTION
This procedure began in the distant past as the Knighting Ceremony used
by the Patron of Arms, Prince Dafydd ap Gwalchmai.
The ceremony, as detailed in the ancient texts, were presented to me
as a translation task by High Councilor, mage-knight and wise tutor Lord
Ladius Redcloak. I have also "borrowed" from the Knighting Ceremonies and
traditions of the Kingdom of Camelot and the Draconian Empire (both of
which it has been my extreme good fortune to visit). I pray that my writing
here presents some semblance of unity and pleases my liege-lady and teachers.
I further pray that these procedures be observed and followed by all those
who would enact this solemn ceremony. However, this writing is not made
to put words in your mouth. If you are guided by my understanding of the
truth, then I am glad. But I beg thee, speak and act the truth as you know
it. And if you will share and teach your truth, I am gladder still.
Aldar Caine
Partriarch of the Druids
Master Wordsmith of the Seekers of Truth & Honour
THE VIGIL
On the eve of the Knighting, it is customary to give the candidate a vigil, which shall begin after Vespers (10pm) on Friday, and last through the night. This shall customarily take place at the Wordsmith's Hall/Temple of Kala. The vigil is a time for reconciliation and introspection, where the candidate considers the responsibilities and joys of accepting the accolade.
The vigil starts with a discussion with the High Council members, Peers (knights) and wise nobles present. Their discourse should be on the meaning, examples, symbols, duties, and responsibilities of knighthood and peerage. The discussion shall continue until midnight. Thereafter shall commence a time of prayer and contemplation, when ancient and wise gentles come singly and in pairs to instruct the candidate in the ways, honor and history of the orders of peerage and knighthood. The candidate shall fast on the vigil. He ought to pray all night, and confess of his difficulties that he has done against Heaven.
The candidate shall be clad in a tunic of white, that he will hold himself
clean, chaste and pure of heart and mind. Also he shall be clad in a cloak
of red, that he might understand and consider that he will be required
to spill his blood in order to defend his faith, his King and his people.
The candidate shall wear shoes and hose of brown and black to so that he
will always have in mind death, and the earth to lie in low - from whence
he has come, and wither he will go (lest into pride he fall). And before
he be a-dubbed a knight, the candidate shall bathe in order that felony
be washed away and be filled with courtesy, honesty, and kindness.
THE BLESSINGS
During the vigil, these blessings are bestowed on the candidate:
Blessing of the Sword
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Bless this sword, with which this man desires to be girt, to the end
that he may be a defender of the Faith, of the weak and defenceless, and
of all the servants of Heaven, against the cruelty of the Dark, and that
he may be the terror and dread of his enemies, ensuring for him the performance
of equitable prosecution and just defense. So be it.
Blessing of the Candidate
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Grant that this man, who comes to put his neck under the chivalric
yoke, be blessed with the power and valor to defend the faith and justice,
increase him in faith, hope, charity, the fear as well as the love of Heaven,
humility, perseverance, obedience and good patience.
May he be directed lawfully in all things, so that he will never injure
anyone unjustly, avoiding the society of the wicked, pouring out his charity
upon his neighbour, and obey the articles of his oath lawfully in all things,
and to fulfill his office justly at all times. So be it.
THE PEER SPOKESPEOPLE
Upon completion of the vigil, the Lord/Lady of the Realm, the Peers, Knights and nobles will gather in the Council Chamber of the Wordsmith's Hall. The candidate shall come forward and kneel before the Lord/Lady of the Realm. The following would be asked:
"Is there a member of the Knighthood who would speak for the candidate's prowess and respect for the martial arts?" (Or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates)
"Is there a member of the High Council who would speak for the candidate's service, honor, and fidelity of the candidate?" (Or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates)
"Is there a Royal Peer who would speak for the candidate's noblesse,
courtesy and loyalty?" (Or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates)
CHARGING THE CANDIDATE
The Lord/Lady of the Realm would then charge the candidate, as follows:
"Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, we are minded to make you a knight. Know that to wear the arms of a knight is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life. A knight of the Realm must be respectful of all religions, never offending the faith of another. A knight must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them. A knight must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully his duties to his leige. A knight's word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. He must never flee from the face of his foes. He must be generous to all. And, always and everywhere, he must be the champion of the right and the good."
The Laws of the Seekers and the customs of the Kingdom require that:
A knight be prow (skilled), as you have demonstrated you are upon the field;
A knight be courteous, as you have shown yourself to be and as these noble gentleman (and ladies) attest; and
A knight be loyal to his Kingdom and the Realm.
THE OATH
The dialogue should then be as follows:
The Lord of the Realm: "Do you then desire to accept the burden of knighthood and swear fealty to the Crown?"
The Candidate: "I here swear fealty and do homage to the Crown; to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and generous, shield of the weak, obedient to my liege-lord, foremost in battle, courteous at all times, champion of the right and the good. Thus swear I."
The Lord of the Realm: "This we hear and shall never forget nor fail
to reward that to which is given fealty with love, service with honor and
oath-breaking with vengeance."
BESTOWING THE TOKENS OF KNIGHTHOOD
The Sword
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The Lord/Lady of the Realm asks: "Is there a sword which you will offer
in service to your crown?"
The Candidate responds: "Yes my liege, there is, in the safe keeping
of your servant, the Master-at-Arms of the Realm."
The Master-At-Arms will girt the candidate with his sword whilst speaking
to the symbolism of the knight's sword:
"One edge to cut to the truth. One edge to administer justice. A scabbard
to counsel mercy."
The Spurs
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The Lord/Lady of the Realm asks: "Are there spurs?"
A member of the High Council will speak to the symbolism of the knight's
spurs whilst the spurs are placed at the heals of the candidate:
"As a knight's spurs goad the warhorse, so should they goad the knight
to Valor, Service, Diligence and Swiftness. Let the spurs hasten the knight
to his duty that he might maintain his order in the high honor that belongs
to it. By placing precious golden spurs near his feat a knight displays
disdain for worldly things. They should be worn with honor and discretion
lest they be hacked from your heals in shame and disgrace."
The Cloak
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The Lord/Lady of the Realm asks: "Is there a Coat of Arms?"
A member of the High Council will speak to the symbolism of the knight's
cloak, whilst the cloak of estate is placed upon the candidate.
"Shamefastness or Fear of shame. These arms ensure that all might know
this knight from afar, and judge him fair or foul, to ensure obedience
to the order of knighthood. It symbolizes the hardships and travail that
a knight will suffer foremost in battle and always placing his body between
his Kingdom and her foes just as the surcoat receives any blows, rain,
or insult before the armor and body of the knight."
The Ring
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The Lord/Lady of the Realm asks: "The candidate has been invested with
the trappings of the office to knighthood. Is there a Ring with which to
bind him in his oath of fealty?"
"The Ring is of gold, purest of the metals to signify the purity of
the fealty which binds the knight and his sovereign to one another. The
Ring is heavy to symbolize and remind the knight of the heavy responsibility
he bears. The Ring is strong and runs round the finger of the knight, signifying
obedience to the commands of his sovereign and the order. The Ring is the
unique symbol of the knights of the Seekers of Truth & Honour, and
as such, is the badge of our order just as it has been used to signify
knightly service by our forefathers. Pray let your behavior and deeds charge
this, our symbol, with as great a reverence and respect as the symbol of
our forbearers."
DUBBING THE KNIGHT (THE ADOUBEMENT)
The Lord/Lady of the Realm (using the sword Oathbinder), speaks these words:
"In remembrance of oaths given and received." (Strike the right shoulder)
"In remembrance of your lineage and obligations." (Strike the left shoulder)
"Be thou a good knight." (Strike the head)
"Rise, Sir Knight."
The Lord/Lady of the Realm pronounces:
"Know, now, that you are made a knight, that you must succor the defenseless,
seek justice for those of every station, and maintain the honor of Knighthood.
Let this blow remind you that Knighthood shall bring you pain as well as
honor."
(The Lord/Lady delivers a light blow to the candidate's chest.)
A Code of Chivalry
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Prowess:
To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and
otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather
than in personal aggrandizement.
Justice:
Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest.
Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must
be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees
with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for
expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.
Loyalty:
Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose
to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty
is not amongst them.
Defense:
The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those
who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family,
and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.
Courage:
Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally
expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the
precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom
to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking
the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie.
Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy,
or the pure truth can bring grief.
Faith:
A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives
hope against the despair that human failings create.
Humility:
Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments,
let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according
them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the
office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle
spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.
Largesse:
Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this
way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern
when a difficult decision of justice is required.
Nobility:
Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties
of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality
of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from
dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others,
offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.
Franchise:
Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible,
not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict
your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your
life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then
you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.