What was being a Knight actually like?

You were a thug on a horse looking to rape someone.

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>>2572721
Ulrich von Hutten, a late 15th century Knight of the Empire had the following to say on the matter:

>Such is the lot of the knight that even though my patrimony were ample and adequate for my support, nevertheless here are the disturbances which give me no quiet. We live in fields, forests, and fortresses. Those by whose labors we exist are poverty-stricken peasants, to whom we lease our fields, vineyards, pastures, and woods. The return is exceedingly sparse in proportion to the labor expended. Nevertheless the utmost effort is put forth that it may be bountiful and plentiful, for we must be diligent stewards. I must attach myself to some prince in the hope of protection. Otherwise every one will look upon me as fair plunder. But even if I do make such an attachment hope is beclouded by danger and daily anxiety. If I go away from home I am in peril lest I fall in with those who are at war or feud with my overlord, no matter who he is, and for that reason fall upon me and carry me away. If fortune is adverse, the half of my estates will be forfeit as ransom. Where I looked for protection I was ensnared. We cannot go unarmed beyond to yokes of land. On that account, we must have a large equipage of horses, arms, and followers, and all at great expense. We cannot visit a neighboring village or go hunting or fishing save in iron.

continuation of >>2573243
>Then there are frequently quarrels between our retainers and others, and scarcely a day passes but some squabble is referred to us which we must compose as discreetly as possible, for if I push my claim to uncompromisingly war arises, but if I am too yielding I am immediately the subject of extortion. One concession unlooses a clamor of demands. And among whom does all this take place? Not among strangers, my friend, but among neighbors, relatives, and those of the same household, even brothers.

>These are our rural delights, our peace and tranquility. The castle, whether on plain or mountain, must be not fair but firm, surrounded by moat and wall, narrow within, crowded with stalls for the cattle, and arsenals for guns, pitch, and powder. Then there are dogs and their dung, a sweet savor I assure you. The horsemen come and go, among them robbers, thieves, and bandits. Our doors are open to practically all comers, either because we do not know who they are or do not make too diligent inquiry. One hears the bleating of sheep, the lowing of cattle, the barking of dogs, the shouts of men working in the fields, the squeaks or barrows and wagons, yes, and even the howling of wolves from nearby woods.

>The day is full of thought for the morrow, constant disturbance, continual storms. The fields must be ploughed and spaded, the vines tended, trees planted, meadows irrigated. There is harrowing, sowing, fertilizing, reaping, threshing: harvest and vintage. If the harvest fails in any year, then follow dire poverty, unrest, and turbulence.

Depends on the time and place OP. Be more specific.

>>2573243
>one account means all knights lives were terrible
Dante of "divine comedy" fame was a knight you pleb.

>>2573264
How about you provide a historical source of someone describing the life of a knight in a different manner instead of interpreting something into my post that was never being said?

You were the one who claimed that the singular case was representative of all - not me.

>>2572725
This anon gets it. The whole romantic image of a knight is bullshit. Knights were originally anyone that can afford a horse and equip themselves for battle. They were basically the motorcycle gangs of the day and got into a LOT of brawls and crimes. Chivalry was instituted to rein them in so that their energies were directed to something less chaotic.

>>2573351
>They were basically the motorcycle gangs of the day and got into a LOT of brawls and crimes.
Except they weren't? They were more like a the militias of their day if militias were private armies in a non-centralized state.

>>2573351
only difference is that motorcycle gangs are compromised of the degenerates of society whereas knights were generally rich. Basically imagine a biker gang compromised of Harvard graduates and that's your knight class

>>2572721
Mafia of the medieval times, it was a protection racket on farmlands. It was aesthetic and prestigious however, like how early 20th century American mafia was.

>>2573243
>>2573246
1st hand sources are always great

>>2573277
Good account anon, thanks for sharing. Cool dubs too

>>2572721

Significantly more time spent resolving arguments amongst peasants over who's ditch is 2 feet too far into who's land, and trying to find a suitable woman for your heir to marry, than going on heroic quests.

>>2573380
In the High Middle Ages, that's true but the early Medieval era (basically 500-1000), knights were quite brutish.

>>2573378
There is plenty of documentation that attests that pre-11th century, knights were raping and robbing peasants whenever they were restless and their lord wasn't paying close attention. The Catholic Church instituted chivalry to codify feudal combat and prevent knights from doing shit they weren't supposed to do. Crack open any history of Medieval Europe if you doubt this.

>>2573620
>The Catholic Church instituted chivalry to codify feudal combat and prevent knights from doing shit they weren't supposed to do.
So they weren't monolithically raping and pillaging? I agree with >>2573574, a knights life was more mundane most of the time.

>>2573378
>private armies in a non-centralized state

so basically thugs

>>2573676
If you're a faggot, yes.

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>>2573620
>>2573448
>>2573351
>>2572725

Funnily, it was quite comparable to Feudalism in Japan, except they wouldn't commit suicide in Europe and wouldn't even work as some poor Bushis woulds.