Creation of a Knight

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: 12th Night, LIII (2019)

At the Crown's command, the herald shall call forward the Order of Chivalry:

HERALD

Let the Order of Chivalry, knights and masters-at-arms, come before Their Majesties.

After they have gathered, the herald shall call forward the candidate, who will kneel before the Crown.

SOVEREIGN

, well-pleased with your prowess upon the field,

and right mindful of the desires of your peers,

We are minded to create you a Knight.

Will you accept from Us this honor,

and swear fealty to the Crown of the Kingdom of An Tir?

If the candidate is unwilling or unable to swear fealty, then he shall say:

CANDIDATE

No, your Majesty, I am unable.

And the herald will change to the Master-at-arms ceremony.

But if the candidate WILL swear, then he shall say:

CANDIDATE

Yes, Your Majesty.

HERALD

 Are you bound in fealty to another?

If so, call the other person forward and have them release the candidate.

SOVEREIGN

Upon what symbol will you swear fealty?

The symbols include:

• the Sword of State,
• either or both Royal Crowns,
• the Orb,
• the Rod,
• the Scepter,
• the Great Seal of State,
• Their Majesties’' person,
• the sword of another,
• another appropriate symbol. 

The new peer shall state his/her choice, and the Crown shall take up the Symbol.

The herald will lead the oath (in phrases):

CANDIDATE

Here do I swear fealty to and ,

my undoubted [SOVEREIGN and CONSORT],

that I will obey Their lawful commands

in all matters that concern this realm,

and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir.

SOVEREIGN

All this do We hear.

And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to ,

to protect and defend him and his household with all Our power,

so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir.

So say We, , SOVEREIGN of An Tir.

CONSORT

And so say We, , CONSORT of An Tir.

SOVEREIGN

By what name do you wish to be Knighted?

And when they have answered:

SOVEREIGN

, by what sword would you make your vows and receive this accolade?

And the chosen sword is brought forward, and the SOVEREIGN says:

SOVEREIGN

Let the spurs of Knighthood be brought forth.

If there is history attached to the spurs, it may be shared at this time. 

When the spurs are buckled, on the SOVEREIGN will draw the sword, laying it across His/Her palms, and say:

SOVEREIGN

Place your hands upon Ours, and this sword.

And the herald will lead the vow (phrase by phrase):

CANDIDATE

Here do I vow,

on this sword,

to be from this day forward

a good and true knight,

ever chivalrous and courteous,

and ever willing

to bind myself in fealty

to the Crown of my Kingdom,

to speak and to be silent,

to do and to let be,

to come and to go,

to strike and to spare

in such matters as concern this society,

in need and in plenty,

in peace and in war,

in living or in dying,

till death take me

or the world end.

So say I, .

Taking the sword by the hilt, the SOVEREIGN shall bestow the accolade on the candidate with the flat of the blade upon the right shoulder, the left shoulder, and then upon the crown of the head. (See notes below if Sovereign is not a knight)

SOVEREIGN

Arise, Sir .

SOVEREIGN

Bring forth the Chain

If there is history attached to the chain, it may be shared at this time.

SOVEREIGN

Wear this chain in token of your rank.

CONSORT

 Bring forth the Belt.

If there is history attached to the belt, it may be shared at this time. 

The inspiration of the new Knight, may be called forward at this time and assist the CONSORT in fastening the Knight's Belt about their waist.

QUEEN

Wear this belt in token of your ability.

And here the SOVEREIGN shall deliver the buffet, saying:

SOVEREIGN

Let this be the last blow you accept unanswered.

SOVEREIGN

Go now to your peers.

As the Chivalry greets their peer, the herald will exhort the cheers of the populace.

• Find out if this will be a knighting or mastering.
• As they say "It takes a knight to make a knight". Thus, if the SOVEREIGN is not a knight, the highest ranking knight will do the Accolade (dubbing the new knight). This is likely to be another Royal of An Tir (A Prince or Princess) who is a knight.
• Is the candidate squired or fostered to a knight or master? Who?
• Are they a sergeant? To which Baron/ess? Are they present, or have a representative?
• Are they sworn in fealty to any one else?  Are they here?