Knight Archetype

October 3, 2013 — 6 Comments

Chivalry is one of those double edged swords. Knights are loyal and honorable as an ideal; love and honor do not always triumph.  The good knight is brave in service to a higher calling or just ruler.  The shadow knight is romantically delusional and may serve a corrupt ruler.  Self image is all important to the knight, since he needs to be seen as helpful and brave.  He may find himself drawn into needless drama to save damsels and others who signal distress.  This may become a pattern in life, endlessly saving others.

Today the knight may be spiritually correct, always defending worthy causes.  His love of honor and his loyalty to cause or leader can be very confusing in this character.  If the leader demands self sacrifice and self neglect, this archetype can feel self righteous about taking this shadowy path.  Loyalty to destructive or greedy powers can be the undoing  of the modern knight, just as it was in history.  Romantic notions of service can be a cover for the absence of chivalry and honor.  It is usually easy to spot the knight riding either a black horse or a white one that symbolizes intent.  This archetype distinguishes itself from  all the characters by being loyal as well as romantic.  The knight displays his loyalty above all else, since it is the source of his identity.  Do you know any knights in your life?