At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene,
And foughten for oure feith at Tramyssene
In lystes thries, and ay slayn his foo.
This ilke worthy knyght hadde been also
Somtyme with the lord of Palatye
Agayn another hethen in Turkye;
And everemoore he hadde a sovereyn prys.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue. The Knight has a very distinguished and impressive military career. He built up an outstanding reputation, taking part in fifteen battles, fighting for England’s religious faith and against the heathen and slaying many foes. He also fought three times in duels, always kiling his foe.