60+ Knight Quotes From History To Literature

A knight is a prestigious title given to an honorable person for his bravery.

In the middle ages, knights were noble, ferocious warriors who served their kings and fought wars on their behalf. A person who usually attained a high post in the military was usually granted with the knighthood.

Many old tales give us a comprehensive account of knights. The biggest example would be Sir Thomas Malory's epic 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

The stories of King Arthur make us acquainted with other knights like Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Gawain and others.

Even during the crusades the famous knights fought the holy war and those stories are well written and documented in history. Nowadays in Great Britain, a person who attains a significantly great position in life is gifted the knighthood.

If you find our content on knight quotes interesting, then do check out our [King quotes] and King Arthur quotes.

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Best Knight Quotes

Here are some of the best and famous knight quotes. Here you will also find black knight quotes along with knight quotes of noble men from medieval ages about chivalry and bravery.

1."You were a knight. Somewhere in the world there is defeat for everyone...Some are destroyed by defeat, some made small and mean by victory. Greatness lives in one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory."

-John Steinbeck, 'The Acts Of King Arthur And His Noble Knights'.

2. "The very purpose of a knight is to fight on behalf of a lady."

-Sir Thomas Malory.

3. "Somewhere in the world there is a defeat for everyone. Some are destroyed by defeat, and some made small and mean by victory. Greatness lives in one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory."

-John Steinbeck, 'The Acts Of King Arthur And His Noble Knights'.

4. "The noir hero is a knight in blood caked armor. He's dirty and he does his best to deny the fact that he's a hero the whole time."

-Frank Miller.

5. "We're Knights of the Round Table

We dance when ere we're able

We do routines and chorus scenes

With footwork impeccable."

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

6. "Sir Lancelot: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.

Bridgekeeper: What… is your name?

Sir Lancelot: My name is Sir Lancelot of Camelot.

Bridgekeeper: What… is your quest?

Sir Lancelot: To seek the Holy Grail."

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

7. "Alexander did not dare request what he really desired, though he knew that if he asked him for his sweetheart's hand he would have it. But he was so afraid of displeasing her (who would have been overjoyed) that he preferred to suffer without her than have her against her will."

-Chrétien de Troyes, 'Arthurian Romances'.

8. "And Gawain, though in valor next to none, Wished that her heart had been a tenderer one.

His sword was out for any foe on earth, And yet to face death for a lady's mirth."

-Anonymous, 'Gawain And The Green Knight: A Fairy Tale'.

9. "And therein were many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the morn should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all points."

-Sir Thomas Malory, 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

10. "In the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in that hand."

- Sir Thomas Malory, 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

Quotes From Literature

A lot of quotes about horseman have been vividly depicted in literature and here are some of the best quotes of noble men from medieval ages about chivalry and bravery.

11. "A knight of Arthur, working out his will, To cleanse the world. Why, Gawain, when he came With Modred hither in the summertime, Asked me to tilt with him, the proven knight."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

12. "And then they all three cried, Sir Knight, we yield us unto you as man of might matchless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take your yielding unto me, but so that ye yield you unto Sir Kay the seneschal, on that covenant I will save your lives and else not…"

-Mark Twain, 'A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court'.

13. "How came the lily maid by that good shield Of Lancelot, she that knew not even his name?

He left it with her, when he rode to tilt For the great diamond in the diamond jousts, Which Arthur had ordained, and by that name Had named them, since a diamond was the prize."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

14. "...and there encountered with him all at once Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel, and they three smote him at once with their spears, and with force of themselves they smote Sir Lancelot's horse reverse to the earth. And by misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Lancelot through the shield into the side…"

-Sir Thomas Malory, 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

15. "Thereto Sir Lancelot answered, 'It is well:

Yet better if the King abide, and leave The leading of his younger knights to me.

Else, for the King has willed it, it is well.'"

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

16. "When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me."

-Sir Thomas Malory, 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

17. "A red-cross knight for ever kneel'd

To a lady in his shield,

That sparkled on the yellow field…"

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'The Lady Of Shallot'.

18. "How wretched is the man who sees the perfect opportunity and still waits for a better one."

-Chrétien de Troyes, 'Perceval: The Story Of The Grail, With The Continuations'.

19. "Then, ere that last weird battle in the west, There came on Arthur sleeping, Gawain killed In Lancelot's war, the ghost of Gawain blown Along a wandering wind, and past his ear Went shrilling, 'Hollow, hollow all delight!

Hail, King! tomorrow thou shalt pass away."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

20. "Sir Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death. And therewith he took his harness and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four knights…"

-Mark Twain, 'A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court'.

21. "Then answered Lancelot, the chief of knights:

'And with what face, after my pretext made, Shall I appear, O Queen, at Camelot, I before a King who honours his own word, As if it were his God's?'"

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

22. "The knights come riding two and two:

She hath no loyal knight and true."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'The Lady Of Shallot'.

23. "...the most delightful and choicest pleasure is that which is hinted at, but never told."

-Chrétien de Troyes, 'Lancelot: The Knight Of The Cart'.

24. "Ah Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have betrayed me; for never shall my court be amended by you, but ye will never be sorry for me as I am for you."

-Sir Thomas Malory, 'Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur And The Legends Of The Round Table'.

25. "Behind her gentle character, the strength of armor was found."

-Erin Forbes, 'Fire & Ice: The Kindred Woods'.

26. "Any wise man fears open spitefulness, whether it be in seriousness or in jest."

-Chrétien de Troyes, 'Perceval: The Story Of The Grail, With The Continuations'.

27. "So Gawain, looking at the villainy done, Forbore, but in his heat and eagerness Trembled and quivered, as the dog, withheld A moment from the vermin that he sees Before him, shivers, ere he springs and kills."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'Idylls Of The King'.

28. "He rode between the barley-sheaves,

The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,

And flamed upon the brazen greaves

Of bold Sir Lancelot."

-Lord Alfred Tennyson, 'The Lady Of Shallot'.

29. "He who wants to do more than he is able must admit defeat or retire."

-Chrétien de Troyes, 'Arthurian Romances'.

30. "I don't believe in heaven. I've been living in this hell. But if you represent what heaven is, then take me there."

-Lancelot, 'King Arthur'.

31. "Turn you knights unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alight all three, and strake many strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side…"

-Mark Twain, 'A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court'.

32. "'Rise, Sir Miles Hendon, Knight,'said the King, gravely—giving the accolade with Hendon's sword—"rise, and seat thyself. Thy petition is granted. Whilst England remains, and the crown continues, the privilege shall not lapse."

-Mark Twain, 'Prince And The Pauper'.

33. "I am Ilya, and with my friends Dobry and Alyo,

I pledge to defend Russia from dragons.

They’re a scourge, and they bubble up everywhere.

Their breath can destroy a town and its people."

-Matthew Sweeney, 'The Knights'.

34. "Young Gawain sat with Lady Elfinhart, In Arthur's court no goodlier knight than he Wore shirt of mail, or Cupid's panoply."

-Anonymous, 'Gawain And The Green Knight: A Fairy Tale'.

Quotes On Knights

Enlisted below are the finest quotes about knights. You will also find death knight quotes, grey knight quotes, 'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight' quotes which you are bound to fall in love with. These knight quotes will take you back in time. So, travel to the past with these amazing knight quotes.

35. "The knight is a man of blood and iron, a man familiar with the sight of smashed faces and the ragged stumps of lopped-off limbs; he is also a demure, almost maidenlike, guest in a hall, a gentle, modest, unobtrusive man. He is not compromise or happy mean between ferocity and meekness."

-C.S.Lewis

36. "For to die with honour is far better than to live disgraced."

-James Knowles, 'The Legends Of King Arthur And His Knights'.

37. "The knight of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies, but also to hate his friends."

-Friedrich Nietzsche, 'Ecce Homo'.

38. "A great battle is a terrible thing," the old knight said, "but in the midst of blood and carnage, there is sometimes also beauty, beauty that could break your heart."

-George R.R. Martin, 'A Song Of Ice And Fire : A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms'.

39. "There never has been, I suppose, in all the world, in all the history of war, such an opportunity for youth. The Knights of the Round Table, the Crusaders, all fall back into the past."

-Winston Churchill.

40. "A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger."

~ Philip Sidney.

41. "Most have been forgotten. Most deserve to be forgotten. The heroes will always be remembered. The best...The best and the worst...And a few who were a bit of both."

-George R.R. Martin, 'A Song Of Ice And Fire: A Feast For Crows'.

42. "Sir Lancelot increased in fame and worship above all men, for he overthrew all comers, and never was unhorsed or worsted, save by treason and enchantment."

-James Knowles, 'The Legend Of King Arthur And His Knights'.

43. "Sir Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping; and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay's armor and his shield and armed him, and so he went to the stable and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so he departed…"

-Mark Twain, 'A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court'.

44. "He that plays the king shall be welcome- his Majesty shall

have tribute of me; the adventurous knight shall use his foil and

target; the lover shall not sigh gratis; the humorous man shall

end his part in peace…"

-William Shakespeare, 'Hamlet'.

Funny Knight Quotes

What is life without a bit of laughter, so laugh away and enjoy our funny knight quotes. After all, all knight quotes need not be serious!

45. "Brave Sir Robin ran away. Bravely ran away away. When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled. Brave Sir Robin turned about and gallantly he chickened out…"

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

46. "Black Knight: Right, I’ll do you for that!

King Arthur: You’ll what?

Black Knight: Come here!

King Arthur: What are you gonna do, bleed on me?"

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

47. "'You are quick, for a dancing master', said Ser Meryn. 'You are slow, for a knight', Syrio replied."

-George R.R. Martin, 'A Song Of Ice And Fire: A Game Of Thrones'.

48. "We're Knights of the Round Table

Our shows are formidable

But many times, we're given rhymes

That are quite unsingable."

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

49. "Fly not, cowards and vile beings, for a single knight attacks you."

-Miguel de Cervantes, 'Don Quixote'.

50. "Black Knight: Tis but a scratch.

King Arthur: A scratch? Your arm’s off!"

-Monty Python, 'Knights Of The Round Table'.

'Don Quixote' Quotes

If you love comedy then this category is perfect. 'Don Quixote' tells the story of a funny knight. This masterpiece was written by Miguel de Cervantes and published in two separate parts in 1605 and 1615.

51. "Don Quixote was enraged, when he heard such blasphemies uttered against his mistress Dulcinea, and lifting up his lance, without speaking a syllable...discharged two such hearty blows upon the squire, as brought him instantly to the ground."

-'Don Quixote'.

52. "About this time too, the knight appealed to a peasant man in the neighborhood, a very honest fellow, if a poor man may deserve that title, but, one who had something missing upstairs."

-'Don Quixote'.

53. "Besides, gentlemen soldiers, added the knight, those poor people have committed no offence against you; and every body hath sins of his own to answer for…"

-'Don Quixote'.

54. "Every knight-errant, said Don Quixote, is obliged to quarrel with those who are out of their senses, as well as those who are in them, if they disparage the honour of women, whatsoever they might be."

-'Don Quixote'.

55. "Don Quixote de la Mancha, answered the squire; he is a knight-adventurer, and one of the greatest and most valiant that have been seen in this world for many ages."

-'Don Quixote'.

56. "He did not, however, look upon himself as unhappy, because this misfortune was, in his opinion, peculiar to knights-errant, and that he was not able to rise on account of the innumerable bruises he had received, he ascribed entirely to the fault of his horse."

-'Don Quixote'.

57. "In this manner did he invent names for a great many knights in either army, to all of whom also he gave arms, colours, mottos and devices, without the least hesitation, being incredibly inspired by the fumes of an unbalanced imagination."

-'Don Quixote'.

58. "There is a God in heaven, who will take care to chastise the wicked and reward the righteous; and it is not seemly, that honest men should be the executioners of their fellow-creatures, on account of matters with which they have no concern."

-'Don Quixote'.

59. "I desire thee to sit down here by my side, in company with these worthy people: and that thou may’st be on an equal footing with me thy natural lord and master, eating in the same dish, and drinking out of the same cup that I use."

-'Don Quixote'.

60. "The knight, as we have already observed, finding himself in good health, and excellent spirits, longed fervently to depart in quest of adventures, thinking every minute he spent in that place…"

-'Don Quixote'.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for knight quotes then why not take a look at [Queen quotes], or [Princess quotes].

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