K – Knights

Okay, so I’m being predictable. What else in the Middle Ages starts with K?
This is going to be a very short post. Knighthood was originally bestowed upon men of military rank. However, today, knighthood is more associated with winning the favor of the people and the crown. One no longer has to prove valor on the field of battle to become a knight.
Sir Winston Churchill – knighted for leadership and service to England.
Sir Lawrence Olivier, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Sean Connery – all knighted for expertise in one of the performing arts.
One thing that still remains is that knighthood is reserved for males. A woman who reaches the same level of service or expertise is not considered a knight, but a dame.
Not so in the SCA – we do have female knights. I believe the first female KOSCA was Sir Hillary of Serendip who was also one of the founders. Also in the SCA, knighthood is reserved for fighters.

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