Chapter Knights of the Ermine to Kolao of K by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Knights of the Ermine to Kolao

Knights of the Ermine (Chevaliers de l’Ordre de l’ Epic), instituted in 1450 by François I. due de Bretagne. The collar was of gold, composed of ears of corn in saltier, at the end of which hung an ermine, with the legend à ma vie. The order expired when the dukedom was annexed to the crown of France.

Knights of the Garter, instituted by Edward III. of England in 1344. According to Selden, “it exceeds in majesty, honour, and fame, all chivalrous orders in the world.” The story is that Joan countess of Salisbury, while dancing with the king, let fall her garter, and the gallant Edward, perceiving a smile on the faces of the courtiers, picked it up, bound it round his knee, and exclaimed, “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” The blue garter and the motto of the order are thus accounted for.

Knights of the Golden Fleece, a military order of knighthood, instituted by Philippe le Bon of Burgundy in 1429. It took its name from a representation of the golden fleece on the collar of the order. The king of Spain is grand-master, and the motto is, Ante feret quam flamma micet.

Knights of the Golden Shield, an order instituted by Louis II. of France, for the defence of the country. The motto is, Allons(i.e. “Let us go in defence of our country”).

Knights of the Hare, an order of twelve knights, instituted by Edward III. while he was in France. The French raised a tremendous shout, and Edward thought it was the cry of battle, but it was occasioned by a hare running between the two armies. From this incident the knights created on the field after this battle were termed “Knights of the Order of the Hare.”

Knights of the Holy Ghost (Chevaliers de l’Ordre du Saint Esprit), instituted by Henri III. of France on his return from Poland. Henri III. was both born and crowned on Whit-Sunday, and hence the origin of the order.

Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, an order of knighthood founded by St. Helena, when she visited Jerusalem at the age of 80, and found (as it is said) the cross on which Christ was crucified in a cavern under the temple of Venus, A.D. 328. This order was confirmed by pope Pascal II. in 1114.

Knights of the Lily, an order of knighthood in Navarre, founded by Garcia in 1048.

Knights of the Order of Fools, established November, 1381, and continued to the beginning of the sixteenth century. The insignia was a jester or fool embroidered on the left side of their mantles, cap and bells, yellow stockings, a cup of fruit in the right hand, and a gold key in the left. It resembled the “Oddfellows” of more modern times.

Knights of the Porcupine (Chevaliers de l’Ordre du Porcépic), a French order of knighthood. The original motto was, Cominus et eminus, changed by Louis XII. into Ultus avos Trojæ.

Knights of the Red Staff, an order instituted by Alfonso XI. of Castile and Leon in 1330.

Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur’s knights were so called, because they sat with him at a round table made by Merlin for king Leodegraunce. This king gave it to Arthur on his marriage with Guinever, his daughter. It contained seats for 150 knights, 100 of which king Leodegraunce furnished when he sent the table.

Knights of the Shell. The argonauts of St. Nicholas were so called from the shells worked on the collar of the order.

Knights of the Ship, an order of knighthood founded by St. Louis (IX.) of France in his expedition to Egypt.

Knights of the Star (Chevaliers de l’Ordre de l’Etoile), an ancient order of knighthood in France. The motto of the order was, Monstrant regibus astra viam.