Knightly Vows and the Kingsguard Oath

[The Gambler]

A knighthood is as much a religious position as it is a martial one, and the formal ceremony includes anointment with oils by a sexton, as well as prayers and penance on behalf of the person being knighted. When the ceremony actually begins, the man being knighted must kneel and is touched first on the right shoulder. From then the shoulder touches alternate with each verse of the oath.

Knightly Vows

In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave.

In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just.

I charge you to defend the young and protect the innocent, in the name of the Mother.

I charge you to defend the virtue and honor of all women, in the name of the Maiden.

In the name of Crone, act with wisdom.

In the name of the Smith, act with diligence.

Do you accept these charges that I have laid upon you?

[The person says "I do"]

Then I charge you to uphold these vows until the day the Stranger take you.


Kingsguard Oath

I swear to ward the king with all my strength, to give my blood for his.

I swear to obey His commands and keep His secrets.

I swear to defend His honor and serve at His pleasure.

I will never flee, nor falter in my duty.

I shall take no wife, hold no lands, and father no children.

I pledge to His Grace my life and honor, until the day that I die.