Knights of Camelot

“Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it.”
— Gaius about the Knights of Camelot^[src]

The Knights of Camelot are a suborder of knights created by King Uther Pendragon. They were known to be exceptionally skilled warriors and were famed as the greatest knights in Five Kingdoms.

To ensure their loyalty, Uther decreed that only men of noble blood may serve as knights. This restriction was later abolished by his son, Arthur Pendragon.

History

After Uther Pendragon became King, he created the Knights of Camelot to defend the kingdom from those who would destroy it. To ensure their loyalty, he chose men from the noble families that had sworn allegiance to him and later instated the First Code of Camelot, which decreed that only men of noble blood could become knights (Lancelot).

During Uther's reign, the Knights of Camelot became known throughout Albion as exceptionally skilled warriors. They successfully defended Camelot from many powerful enemies, including the kingdoms of Mercia, Caerleon, Cenred's Kingdom, and Odin's Kingdom (The Poisoned Chalice, The Once and Future Queen, The Tears of Uther Pendragon, The Castle of Fyrien).

The Knights of Camelot also demonstrated their prowess by participating in a number of annual tournaments, including the Tournament of Camelot, the Jousting Annual, the Mêlée, and the Decennial Tournament (Valiant, The Once and Future Queen, Gwaine, The Sorcerer's Shadow).

Eventually, Uther handed over leadership of the Knights to his son, Arthur Pendragon, who became responsible for overseeing their training and the execution of their duties. He also led them in many important battles such as the Great Battle for Camelot, the First and Second Fall of Camelot, and the Battle of Camlann (Lancelot, The Tears of Uther Pendragon, The Coming of Arthur, The Sword in the Stone, The Diamond of the Day).

Arthur was also responsible for abolishing the First Code of Camelot. After the Fall of Camelot, Arthur knighted four common men who had proven their loyalty and skill and led them in an effort to retake the kingdom. These knights, later known as the Knights of the Round Table, became some of his most skilled and trusted men (The Coming of Arthur).

Knight's Code

Like all knights, the Knights of Camelot are bound by a code of honour known as the Knight's Code. They must pledge to conduct themselves with nobility, honour, and respect, and their word is considered their bond (The Sins of the Father).

The Code also decrees that if a knight accepts a challenge such as a duel, they must see it through themself. Another knight cannot take their place (Excalibur).

According to the Knight's Rules, women are not prohibited from challenging a knight (The Sins of the Father).

First Code of Camelot

The Knights of Camelot also follow an additional code known as the First Code of Camelot, which decrees that only the sons of noble families may serve as knights. The First Code was created by Uther Pendragon as a way of ensuring his knights' loyalty (Lancelot).

The First Code was later abolished by Arthur Pendragon after the Fall of Camelot. To retake the kingdom from Morgana, he knighted several common men who had proven their loyalty and skill and they became known as the Knights of the Round Table (The Coming of Arthur).

Training

In order to become a Knight of Camelot, a candidate must undergo a strict training regimen which culminates a timed duel with their instructor. This training largely consists of combat drills in subjects such as swordplay and attack strategy (Lancelot).

During Arthur's reign, it was also possible to become a knight by proving oneself through an act of courage or loyalty. For example, Mordred was knighted after he saved Arthur from Morgana. However, he was still required to undergo the usual training regimen afterwards (Arthur's Bane, The Disir).

Known Knights

Knight	Status	Distinction
Arthur Pendragon	†	Prince/King of Camelot Knight of the Round Table
Bedivere	†	Killed by the Questing Beast
Bertrand	†	Killed by Morgana Pendragon
Brennis	Alive	Broke his wrist arm-wrestling with Percival
Cador	Alive	High-ranking Knight during Uther Pendragon's reign
Caridoc	Alive	One of five men knighted before Morgause challenged Arthur to a duel
Edric	†	Part of a Camelot patrol ambushed by Cenred's men
Elyan	†	Knight of the Round Table Killed by Morgana Pendragon
Geraint	Alive	Arthur's former second-in-command
Gorlois	†	Close friend of Uther Pendragon Killed in battle after Uther failed to send reinforcements
Gregory	Alive	Escorted Lady Helen to Camelot
Gwaine	†	Knight of the Round Table Killed by Morgana Pendragon
Lancelot	†	Knight of the Round Table Sacrificed himself to close the veil between the worlds
Leon	Alive	Knight of the Round Table Arthur's Second-In-Command
Montague	†	Killed by Morgana Pendragon
Mordred	†	Former Druid Ally of Morgana Pendragon Mortally wounded Arthur Pendragon during the Battle of Camlann
Oldof	†	Part of a Camelot patrol ambushed by Cenred's men
Osric	†	Part of a Camelot patrol ambushed by Cenred's men
Owain	†	Killed in a duel with the Black Knight
Pellinore	†	Killed in a duel with the Black Knight
Percival	†	Knight of the Round Table
Radnor	†	Killed by Alvarr
Ranulf	†	Killed by Osgar Childhood friend of Arthur Pendragon
Robert	†	Killed while escorting Gwen and Morgana to Gorlois' grave
Unnamed Sentry	†	Killed by Morgana Pendragon
Uther Pendragon	†	King of Camelot Founder of the Knights of Camelot Killed by Morgana Pendragon and Agravaine de Bois
Vidor	Alive	One of five men knighted before Morgause challenged Arthur to a duel

Trivia

Unlike ordinary knights, the Knights of Camelot wear the Pendragon family crest instead of their own (His Father's Son).

In The Legend

The Knights of the Round Table were an order of knights created by King Arthur in Arthurian Legend. They were dedicated to ensuring peace in Camelot and were later entrusted with the quest for the Holy Grail.