The Most Famous Knight, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the knight you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 8, 2024 07:10

Determining who should be recognized as the most distinguished knight has often been a subject of great debate and interest. By gathering the opinions of many, a clearer, community-driven picture can emerge. Rank the most charming chivalrous figures and take part in shaping this historical lineup. Every vote contributes to more accurate rankings, giving fresher insights into the most esteemed knights. This live-updating list reflects current views and can shift as new voters weigh in. Your participation ensures that your favorites receive the recognition they deserve.

Who Is the Most Famous Knight?

1

47
votes
Charles Ernest Butler · Public domain

King Arthur

King Arthur is one of the most famous knights in history. According to legend, he was the king of Camelot and had a round table of knights. His story has been told in countless books, movies, and TV shows.
King Arthur is a legendary figure in British mythology, known as the once and future king. He is the central character in the Arthurian legends, a collection of tales and stories that have been passed down through oral tradition and written texts. King Arthur is often depicted as a noble and courageous leader who united Britain, established the Knights of the Round Table, and sought the Holy Grail.

Birthplace: Tintagel (according to legends)

Parents: King Uther Pendragon and Igraine of Cornwall

Sword: Excalibur (drawn from the stone)

Lady of the Lake: Gave Excalibur and its scabbard to Arthur

Queen: Guinevere
King Arthur in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Arthur
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous legends
2

28
votes
Sir Lancelot

Sir Lancelot was one of King Arthur's knights and is famous for his affair with Queen Guinevere. He was known for his bravery and chivalry, and his story has been told in many works of literature.
Sir Lancelot in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Paladin
3

27
votes
William Edward Frank Britten (1848–1916) Adam Cuerden (restoration) · Public domain

Sir Galahad

Sir Galahad was one of the knights of the round table and is famous for his quest for the Holy Grail. He was known for his purity and was the only one who was able to find the grail.
Sir Galahad in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Paladin
4

16
votes
Howard Pyle · Public domain

Sir Gawain

Sir Gawain was also one of King Arthur's knights and is famous for his chivalry and loyalty. His story has been told in many works of literature, including the epic poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
Sir Gawain in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Paladin
5

9
votes

Sir Percival

Sir Percival was another one of King Arthur's knights and is famous for his quest for the Holy Grail. He was known for his purity and his story has been told in many works of literature.
6

7
votes

Sir Thomas Malory

Sir Thomas Malory was a knight and writer who is famous for his work "Le Morte d'Arthur," which tells the story of King Arthur and his knights. His work has been a major influence on Arthurian literature.
7

7
votes

Sir William Wallace

Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who is famous for his role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. He led a rebellion against English rule and is considered a national hero in Scotland.
8

4
votes

Sir Richard the Lionheart

Sir Richard the Lionheart was a king of England and a famous knight who is known for his military skills and bravery. He fought in the Third Crusade and is considered one of England's greatest kings.
9

4
votes

Walter Scott (1771-1832) · Public domain

Sir Ivanhoe

Sir Ivanhoe is a fictional character created by Sir Walter Scott in his novel "Ivanhoe." He is a knight who fights for King Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade.
10

7
votes

Sir Bedevere

Sir Bedevere was one of King Arthur's knights and is famous for his role in the legend of the sword in the stone. He was the one who was able to pull the sword from the stone, proving that Arthur was the rightful king.

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Ranking factors for famous knight

Historical significance

How influential was the knight in their time? Did they play a role in significant events or battles?
Noble lineage

What was the knight's family background? Were they born into a noble family or did they rise to knighthood through merit?
Chivalric code

Did the knight exemplify the values of chivalry, such as valor, honor, and loyalty?
Achievements

What were the knight's notable achievements in battle or in service to their lord?
Legacy

How has the knight's reputation endured over time? Have they become a cultural icon or inspired stories and legends?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous knight. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or knight is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1850 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each knight once every 24 hours. The rank of each knight is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous knight

The topic of knights has always been a fascinating one, with tales of chivalry, honor, and bravery capturing the imagination of people for generations. Knights were warriors who served their lords and kings, and were often known for their skill with weapons and their unwavering loyalty. But who was the most famous knight of all time? While there are many contenders for the title, some names stand out more than others. The legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, for example, are perhaps the most well-known knights in history, with tales of their exploits and adventures being retold in countless books, movies, and TV shows. Other famous knights include the likes of Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, and Sir Galahad, all of whom were celebrated for their courage and valor in battle. And then there are real-life knights such as Sir William Wallace, who fought for Scottish independence, and Sir Francis Drake, who helped defeat the Spanish Armada. So, who do you think is the most famous knight of all time? Cast your vote and let us know!