Best of the Best: Medieval Knights Quiz

Answer: Arthur Pendragon

In the 12th century Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote "Historia Regum Britanniae", or the "History of the Kings of Britain". Earlier poems exist which depict Arthur as defending Britain from human and supernatural forces. However, Geoffrey's story appears to be the starting point for later stories.

In it, Arthur, a knight, eventually became the King of Britain who defeated the Saxons and established an empire that included Gaul, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and Britain. Familiar elements of Arthur's life, such as his birth at Tintagel, marriage to Guinevere, and association with Merlin are part of Geoffrey's tale. Later writers added the stories of Lancelot, the Holy Grail, and the Round Table.

Answer: Richard Lionheart

In 1173 Henry the Young King, began a rebellion against his father; he had been promised land by his father, and wanted to rule at least part of it. Aided by Louis VII of France and his two brothers, Richard and Geoffrey, Henry the Young King was able to find supporters.

However, his father was able to pay for an even larger mercenary army. After capturing his wife, Eleanor, who some believe goaded her sons into launching the rebellion, and the wives and fiancées of his sons, Henry II was able to end the war with Louis VII, but what about the war and intrigues with his family? Their struggles didn't end until their deaths.

Answer: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar

El Cid was brought up in the court of the King of Spain, Ferdinand I, and became involved in a struggle that involved the king's children over the inheritance of their father's land. Taking the side of the eldest son, Sancho, El Cid gained a reputation for his military ability.

His life became threatened, however, after Sancho was murdered, and he offered himself for service to the next brother, Alfonso. After a disagreement involving money, El Cid was banished from Alfonso's kingdom, and he offered his services to the Muslim leader of Saragossa.

In a twist of fate, Rodrigo was eventually asked to rule the city of Valencia in the name of Alfonso, the king, which he did until his death. His name, "El Cid", is Arabic for "lord" or "chief".

Answer: Alexander Nevsky

Considered by many to be the greatest Russian hero of all, Nevsky served as Prince of Novgorod, Grand Prince of Kiev,and Grand Prince of Vladimir in thirteenth century Russia. His military victories over German and Swedish armies, along with his diplomatic relationship with the Mongol horde, protected the territories that would eventually unite and become Russia. Canonized in 1547 by the Russian Orthodox church, Nevsky's principal feast day is November 23.

Answer: Edward the Black Prince

Edward of Woodstock, the Prince of Wales, distinguished himself as a soldier during the Hundred Years' War at the Battles of Crécy and Poitiers. He was an extremely popular knight, and is thought to have been the first Knight of the Garter, a group representing the highest order of chivalry in England, and one of the founders of the group.

The eldest son of Edward III, Edward sadly died a year before his father, making him the first English Prince of Wales who did not become King of England.

Answer: Sir William Wallace

While little is known about William Wallace's life, it is believed that he was knighted by a Scottish earl, either Carrick, Strathearn or Lennox, c. 1297. This would have occurred after the Scots' stunning victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. While many Englishmen would claim that Wallace's battle tactics and use of the terrain were more opportunistic than chivalrous, the English are said to have fought in much the same way during the Hundred Years' War! Many events in Wallace's life still remain a mystery.

However, there is no doubt that he was an important leader in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Answer: Henry "Hotspur" Percy

Henry Percy was knighted by King Edward III when he was thirteen years old, during the same ceremony as future kings Richard II and Henry IV! Given the nickname "Haatspore" by the Scots because of his "speed and readiness to attack", Percy distinguished himself as a knight in Scotland and France, and as a diplomat in Cyprus.

His family choose to support the rebellion of the future Henry IV against King Richard II, however, and that was the beginning of the end for Percy. Disillusioned with the treatment and policies of Henry IV, his family sided with the Prince of Wales, the future Henry V, in yet another rebellion. Hotspur was killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury, after which he was declared a traitor.

Answer: Bertrand du Guesclin

Called "The Eagle of Brittany", Guesclin was a French military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He took part in six battles, and won the four in which he held command, reconquering most of France from the English. As Constable of France, he was recognized as the highest ranking noble, and second only to the King of France, Charles V.

Interestingly, one of his jobs as constable was to "regulate chivalry".

Answer: John Hawkwood

John Hawkwood fought while in the service of King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War and it is believed that he was knighted by Edward, the Black Prince. After ending his service with the English, Hawkwood became a mercenary in France, and later in Italy, becoming the leader of a group called the White Company.

Italy at the time was full of warring factions, and Hawkwood's company offered their services to whichever republic paid the most money. At one time he even worked for the Pope!

Answer: William Marshal

The younger son of a minor nobleman, William Marshal had to make his own way. Sent as a young boy to the house of his mother's cousin, he began training as a knight, where apparently he made the most of his abilities. He found that he could make a good living fighting in the tourney circuit.

It is said that on his deathbed Marshal claimed to have defeated 500 knights during his career. Recalling the open animosity that existed between the members of Henry II's family, it is difficult to imagine that Richard and John would have trusted one who also served their father.

It appears, however, the Marshal protected Richard's claim from John, helped insure John's succession to the throne when Richard died, and secured Henry III's claim to the throne when John died.