Knighting Ceremony of Urien ap Taliesin

Carl Leidor

July 11, 1997

Within the SCA, a knighting is perhaps the defining moment for combatants who have worked for years trying to improve their prowess and their understanding of the other knightly virtues.

For many, not even a victorious Crown Tournament carries the same power. Although the ceremonies created differ in content from their medieval counterpart, if done well their power creates a nearly mystical experience not only for the candidate, but for all who witness the ceremony as well. This is a truly fine example of modern chivalry, of the ideals that have passed down to us from our long line of predecessors. --Brian R. Price

Herein lies the Draft of the Knighting Ceremony of Urien ap Taliesin

 

INTRODUCTION

This ceremony began at its base from the knighting ceremony of my patron and one time Prince Dafydd ap Gwalchmai. Which in turn was "a combination of the ceremony used for Talbot's (MacTagart) knighting and aspects fo the Middle Kingdom ceremony." Which in turn is based on "traditions established in the 13th century poem L'Ordene de Chevalerie, William Durands Ponitifical (c. 1295), the knighting of Henry IV's 1399 coronation, and the early fifteenth century book Tirant lo Blanc". Thus are customs created. I have also drawn heavily on "The Book of the order of chyvalry or knighthode" translated from Ramon Lull's french into Old English by William Caxton in 1484. (And presented to me as a translation task by my first knight and wise tutor Sir Andrew Greencloak.) I have also "borrowed" from the Knighting ceremonies and traditions of the Kingdoms for Calontir and the West (both of which it has been my extreme good fortune to experience.) I pray that my concoction presents some semblance of unity and pleases my masters and teachers. I further pray that all of those mentioned and "called" to speak and act in this vision understand that this is merely a starting point. It must conform to the whim and wishes of Their Majesties who would be my new masters, and my knight Conn my current master, and all of those who will speak and act before God in this solemn ceremony. I will not put words in your mouth. I beg thee speak and act the truth as you know it, and if you are guided by my understanding of the trueth I am glad. If you will share and teach your truth I am gladder still. --Urien ap Taliesin

 

THE VIGIL

On the eve of the Knighting it is customary to give the candidate a vigil. This is a time for reconciliation, speaking with the Chivalry, Peers and wise nobles present. And a time for introspection to consider the responsibilities and joys of accepting the accolade. (5) (The Vigil shall begin after Vespers (10pm) on Friday with a roundtable on Chivalry where those present may discourse on the meaning, exemplars, symbols, duties, and responsibilities of knighthood and peerage. This round table shall be moderated by the candidate's Knight, Conn MacNeil, and shall continue until Compline (12ish)) Thereafter shall commence a time of prayer and contemplation, when ancient, wise, and grave gentles come singly and in pairs to instruct the candidate in the ways, honor and history of the orders of peerage and knighthood.

The candidate shall fast on the vigil, he ought to pray unto God, and confess of his difficulties that he has done against God. He ought to stay awake all night and say his prayers and ought to hear the word of God and things touching the deeds of chivalry. The candidate shall be clad tunic of white next to his skin, that he will hold himself clean, chaste and pure of heart and mind. The candidate shall be clad in a cloak of red, that he might understand and consider that he will be required to spill his blood in order to defend his God, his King and his people. The candidate shall wear shoes and hose of brown and black to so that he will always have in mind death, and the earth to lie in low. From whence he has come, and wither he will go, Lest into pride he fall. And before he be a-dubbed an knight the candidate shall bathe in order that felony be washed away and be fulfilled with courtesy, honesty, and kindness.

 

THE BLESSINGS

"Blessing of the Sword Grant, we pray, O Lord, our prayers, and see fit to bless with the hand of your majesty this sword with which your servant desires to be girt, to the end that he may be a defender of the Church, of widows, of orphans, and of all the servants of God, against the cruelty of godless heathens, and that he may be the terror and dread of his enemies, ensuring for him the performance of equitable prosecution and just defense. Amen.

"Blessing of the Candidate O Lord, omnipotent father, eternal God, who alone establish and lawfully rule the order of all things: who to put down the malice of reprobates and to defend justice have, by your beneficent disposition, permitted men on earth the use of the sword, and have willed to institute a Chivalric Order for the protection of the people: and who said by way of the blessed John to the soldiers who came to him in the desert that they should do violence to no man, but be content with their pay: we humbly pray that, just as you granted to your child david the power to vanquish Goliath, and as you caused Judas Machabbeus to triumph over the nations who did not call upon your name, so grant, through your heavenly bounty, to this your servant, who comes a new recruit to put his neck under the chivalric yoke, the power and valor to defend the faith and justice, increase him in faith, hope, charity, the fear as well as the love of God, humility, perseverance, obedience and good patience, and direct him lawfully in all things, so that he will never injure anyone unjustly with this or any other sword, and so that, just as he is raised from an inferior station to the new honor of knighthood, so, putting off the old man with his deeds, he will put on the new man, to fear you and render you just worship, to avoid the society of the wicked, to pour out his charity upon his neighbor, to obey the articles of his oath lawfully in all things, and to fulfill his office justly at all times. Through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen."

 

 BEGGING THE BOON

(At the appropriate time in their majesties court or on the field)

Herald: His Majesty calls forth Sirs Andrew Greencloak, Dafydd ap Gwalchmai, and Geoffrey Matthias. Sir Andrew Greencloak begs the boon in the manner that his spirit takes him. His Majesty would/could/should by tradition have the herald call forth the order of Chivalry, and seek thier advice on the matter. And if everyone is of like mind.

His majesty could ask:

HRM Edmond: "Sir Andrew, is the candidate free to take the oath and accept responsibilities of Knighthood?"

Andrew Greencloak: "No your Majesty, he is sworn in fealty to His Grace Conn MacNeil."

HRM Edmond: "Herald, summon his grace and his household."

 

THE RELEASE FROM FEALTY

His Grace Conn MacNiel, Her Excellency Cassandra Tenabrosa and their household, along with with His Grace Eliahu ben Itzyak and members of the Starry Knights Household bring the candiadate into Their Majesties presenece. (With whatever Tenons of Noble Folly and members of the Grand Company of the Peacocks are available as "color guard")

Conn & Cassandra should (hopefully) release the candidate from his fealty to their household in a ceremony of their choosing. And then "present" him to Their Majesties.

 

THE PEER SPOKESPEOPLE

The candidate shall come forward and kneel before their majesties.

The Laurelate Their majesties might ask if there is a member of the order of the Laurel who would speak for the candidate. Cadwallon ý Rudd and Cassandra of the Western Green (or Johanna von Dendermonde) have consented to speak to the candidates prowess and respect for the arts. (or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates)

The Pelicanate Their majesties might ask if there is a member of the order of the Pelican who would speak for the candidate. Eliahu ben Itzhak and Sarena Holmes (or Clair fitz William) have consented to speak to the service, honor, and fidelity of the candidate. (or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates) (If his grace wills I could wish that he describe the nature of the candidates Vigil quest and ask the 101 inspirations (and any others who will) stand to signify that they vow to continue guide the candidate; to inspire, teach, counsel and rebuke when necessary.)

The Royal Pears Their majesties might ask if there is a Royal Peer who would speak for the candidate. Valerius Peancalvus and Gwyneth Felton have consented to speak to the noblesse, courtesy and loyalty of the candidate. (or otherwise, as their heart and experience dictates)

 

CHARGING THE CANDIDATE

(From the Middle Kingdom Ceremonies or as their Majesties will)

HRM Edmond:

"Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, we are minded to make you knight. Know that to wear the belt and chain of a knight is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life.

"A knight of the Society must be respectful of all religions, never offending the faith of another.

"A knight must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them.

"A knight must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully his feudal duties to his baron and his King.

"His word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. He must never flee from the face of his foes. He must be generous to all.

"And, always and everywhere, he must be the champion of the right and the good.

"The Laws of the Society and the customs of the Kingdom require that a knight be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field; that a knight be courteous, as you have shown yourself to be and as these noble gentleman (and ladies) attest; and that a knight be loyal to his Kingdom and the Society. Do you then desire to accept the burden of knighthood and swear fealty to the Crown?"

 The Candidate will accept.

 

SWEARING FEALTY

(From the Middle Kingdom Ceremonies or as their Majesties will)

HRM Edmond:

"Then swear fealty and pay homage to the Crown of the Middle Kingdom." The candidate shall say: "I here swear fealty and do homage to the Crown of the Middle Kingdom; to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and generous, shield of the weak, obedient to my liege-lord, foremost in battle, courteous at all times, champion of the right and the good. Thus swear I, Urien ap Taliesin." Their Royal Majesties: "This to We hear and shall never forget nor fail to reward that which is given fealty with love service with honor and oath breading with vengeance."

 

 BESTOWING THE TOKENS OF KNIGHTHOOD

The Sword

Their Majesties ask: "Is there a sword which you will offer in service to your crown?"

The Candidate responds: "Yes my liege there is, in the safe keeping of your servant Conn MacNeil."

Conn MacNeil will girt the candidate with his sword whilst speaking to the symbolism of the knights sword:

"One edge to cuts to the truth one edge to administer their majesties justice and a scabbard to counsel mercy." (More And, or less as his Grace's spirit moves him.) The Belt

Their Majesties ask: "Is there a belt?"

Her Majesty speaks to the symbolism of the belt, whilst the candidates lady Sabina d'Almaria places the belt on the candidate:

"The knights' white belt symbolizes purity, and chastity that a knight must reign in his body steadfastly, avoiding the scandals of the body: gluttony, sloth, and lechery. Purity of purpose and a new beginning or rebirth (like baptism) to begin again the steps one the Path Chivalry." (More And, or less as Her Majesty wills.) The Spurs

Their Majesties ask: "Are there spurs?"

By their Majesties leave my knight's lady Vicountess Cassandara Tenabrosa will speak to the symbolism of the knights spurs whilst Sir Alfred of Carlisle and Sir Dafydd ap Gwalcmai place the spurs at the heals of the candidate.

"As knights spurs goad the warhorse so should they goad the knight to Valor, Service, Diligence and Swiftness. Let the spurs hasten the knight to his duty that he might maintain his order in the high honor that belongs to it. By placing precious golden spurs near his feat a knight displays disdain for worldly things. They should be worn with honor and discretion lest they be hacked from your heals in shame and disgrace." (More And, or less as Her Excellency wills.) The Cloak

Their Majesties ask: "Is there a Coat of Arms?"

By their Majesties leave the candidates lady Sabina d'Almaria will speak to the symbolism of the knights Coat of Arms while Viscountess Gwyneth Felton and Mistress Sarena Holmes place the cloak of estate upon the candidate.

"Shamefastness or Fear of shame. These arms ensure that all might know this knight from afar, and judge him fair or foul, to ensure obedience to the order of knighthood. It symbolizes the hardships and travail that a knight will suffer foremost in battle and always placing his body between his Kingdom and her foes just as the surcoat receives any blows, rain, or insult before the armor and body of the knight." (More And, or less as the Lady wills.) The Chain

His Majesty COULD speak (as do the Calontiri) "The candidate has been invested with the trappings of the office to knighthood. Is there a chain with which to bind him in his oath of fealty."

OR Their Majesties ask: "Is there a chain?"

"The chain is of gold, purest of the metals to signify the purity of the chain of fealty which binds the knight and his sovereigns to one another. The chain is heavy to symbolize and remind the knight of the heavy responsibility he bears. The chain is strong and runs round the neck of the knight signifying obedience to the commands of his sovereign and the order. The chain is the unique symbol of the knights of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and as such is the badge of our order just as the fleece, the garter, the star, and the cross have been used to signify knightly orders by our forefathers. Pray let your behavior and deeds charge this our symbol with as great a reverence and respect as the symbols of our forbearers." (More And, or less as His Majesty wills.)

 

 DUBBING THE KNIGHT (THE ADOUBEMENT)

Their Majesties (using Oathbinder):

"In remembrance of oaths given and received." (Strike the right shoulder)

"In remembrance of your lineage and obligations." (Strike the left shoulder)

"Be thou a good knight." (Strike the head)

"Rise, Sir Urien."

 

 THE COLÉE OR BUFFET

HRM Edmond:

"We see many knights of the West gathered before Us, We thank you for honoring us with your presence, and would honor you by borrowing a custom from your homeland. We seem to recall that in your lands We would now charge the candidate: Know, now that you are made a knight, that you must succor the defenseless, seek justice for those of every station, and maintain the honor of Knighthood. Let this blow remind you that Knighthood shall bring you pain as well as honor." (His Majesty delivers the buffet to the candidate's chest.)

 

-finis-

 

THE SOURCES

I and many others like me owe a debt of profound thanks to those who have trod this path before us and most especially Sir Brion Thornbird who tred the path AND passed the knowledge on to us (complete with foot notes.)

NOTE: Items 1-7 are may be obtained through Sir Brion

1."The Book of the order of chyvalry or knighthode" Ramon Lull

2."The Ordene de Chevalerie" (Anon 13C) Translated by William Morris

3."The Chivalric Ideal" Diaz de Gamez 15C, Trans J Evans

4."The Making of a Knight" William Durands Pontifical C.1295

5."The Book of the Tournament" Brian R Price C.1991

6.The knighting Ceremony of the Middle Kingdom

7.The knighting Ceremony of the Kingdom of the West

8.The traditions of knighting of the Kingdom of Calontir (as remembered by his grace Conn MacNeil)

© 1997 Carl Leidor

Knighthood, Tournaments & Chivalry Home Page: http://www.chronique.com.

Sir Uriens is a member of the Tenans of Noble Folly: http://www.isd.net/cdavis/tenans.htm

Many thanks to Charles Davis, aka Cadwallen, for the first HTML version of this ceremony.