Merlin Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Merlin Wiki

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 as 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 Photo
Arthur Pendragon Season-5-merlin-on-bbc-32373821-5000-3333
Bedivere Sir Bedivere er en god ridder, der kan hjælpe, men også falde
Bertrand Sir Bertrand
Brennis Alive
  • Broke his wrist arm-wrestling with Percival
Cador Alive Sir Cador
Caridoc Alive Sir vidor3
Edric
Elyan Elyan45
Geraint Alive
  • Arthur's former second-in-command
Vlcsnap-2012-02-29-14h48m56s58
Gorlois
  • Close friend of Uther Pendragon
  • Killed in battle after Uther failed to send reinforcements
Gregory Alive 250px-Merlin526
Gwaine Gwaine 03 ASOTM
Knights of Medhir S02e12 knights 04 512x288
Lancelot P00qvs1j
Leon Alive Leon 03 ASOTM
Montague Montague8
Mordred Mordred with the knights
Oldof
Osric
Owain Sir Owain
Pellinore Sir Pellinore
Percival Percival ASOTM
Radnor Radnor23
Ranulf
Robert Window
Unnamed Sentry Sentry and Morgana
Uther Pendragon Uther7
Vidor Alive Sir vidor3

Trivia

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.

See Also

Advertisement