Literary notes about knight (AI summary)
The term knight in literature embodies a complex blend of martial valor, chivalric duty, and symbolic authority. In medieval romance, such as that of Arthurian legends, the knight is portrayed as a noble crusader undertaking perilous quests and upholding moral virtues [1], [2], [3]. In other contexts, the word conveys not only physical prowess—illustrated by courageous feats and duels [4], [5]—but also serves as a marker of social status and personal honor, as when characters are formally recognized or ridiculed for their knighthood [6], [7]. Even in satirical or allegorical works, the knight can become a figure of witty commentary or playful re-imagination within games like chess [8], [9]. Overall, the literary knight remains a versatile icon, representing both the ideals and the ironies of a bygone era.
- O mercy Jesu! said the king, sith the times I bare arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of arms.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Right so there came a knight afoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou sawest a strange beast pass this way.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - And now hath he lived here for three hundred winters in a holy life, and men say a certain knight of King Arthur’s court shall shortly heal him.”
— from The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Sir James Knowles and Sir Thomas Malory - How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - A knight bachelor, maj.-gen., Governor of Sierra Leone, where he died of fever, 14th Aug., 1827.
— from The Waterloo Roll Call by Charles Dalton - “They should drink of the same cup,” answered the Knight.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - 5. K - K 5 K - Kt 2 Now by counting it will be seen that White wins by capturing Black's Knight Pawn.
— from Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca - ROOK, BISHOP AND PAWNS v. ROOK, KNIGHT AND PAWNS
— from Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca