Black Knight (disambiguation) facts for kids

A Black Knight is a knight who often wears black armor. This can make them seem mysterious or even a bit scary. Sometimes, a Black Knight is a knight who doesn't serve a specific lord or king. Instead, they might travel alone, fighting for their own reasons.

The idea of a Black Knight appears in many different stories, from ancient legends to modern comics, movies, and even real-world technology.

What is a Black Knight?

A Black Knight is usually known for their dark, often black, armor. This choice of color can mean different things. Sometimes, it shows they are independent and don't belong to any specific group or kingdom. Other times, it might suggest they are a mysterious challenger or even a villain.

In medieval times, knights were important warriors who often served a lord or king. They followed a code of chivalry, which included bravery, honor, and loyalty. A Black Knight, however, might choose to be a lone warrior, following their own path.

Black Knights in Legends and Stories

The image of a knight in black armor has inspired many tales. These characters often bring excitement and mystery to a story.

The Mysterious Knights of Arthurian Legend

In the famous stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, several characters are known as Black Knights. These knights often appear as strong opponents or unknown figures. They might challenge Arthur's knights to a duel or guard a special place. Their black armor makes them stand out and adds to their mysterious nature. They could be good or bad, and their true identity is often a secret.

The Funny Black Knight of Monty Python

One very famous Black Knight appears in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This character is known for being incredibly stubborn and refusing to give up, even when badly injured. He provides a lot of laughs because of his extreme determination. This version of a Black Knight is a parody, making fun of the serious knights in traditional stories.

Black Knights in Comics and Movies

The idea of a Black Knight has also made its way into modern entertainment.

• Black Knight (comics): In the Marvel Comics universe, "Black Knight" is the name used by several different characters. These characters often have a special magical sword called the Ebony Blade. They are sometimes heroes, sometimes villains, and sometimes caught between good and evil.
• The Black Knight (1954 movie): This is an older movie from 1954 starring Alan Ladd. It tells a classic adventure story set in medieval times.
• Black Knight (2001 movie): This movie from 2001 stars Martin Lawrence. It's a comedy where a modern-day person travels back in time to medieval England and becomes involved with knights.

Black Knights in Technology

The name "Black Knight" isn't just for people in armor. It has also been used for advanced technology projects.

The Black Knight Rocket

In the 1950s, the United Kingdom developed a rocket called the Black Knight. This rocket was part of Britain's space program. It was used to test how spacecraft would re-enter Earth's atmosphere. The Black Knight rocket helped scientists learn important things about space travel and rocket design. It was an important step in the early days of space exploration.

The Black Knight Unmanned Combat Vehicle

More recently, the name "Black Knight" has been given to an unmanned combat vehicle (UCV). This vehicle was designed by BAE Systems. An unmanned vehicle means it operates without a human driver inside. It's like a very advanced robot designed for military tasks. The Black Knight UCV shows how the idea of a powerful, independent "knight" can be applied to modern technology.

Other Meanings

The term "Black Knight" can also refer to other things, like:

• The Black Knights (band): This is an underground hip-hop music group.
• Knight of Glin: This is an old Irish hereditary title, meaning it was passed down through families for many generations.