“Tough Traveling” is a weekly Thursday feature created by Nathan at Review Barn where participants make a new list each week based on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones. This hilarious little book cheerfully pokes fun at the most prevalent tropes in fantasy. All are welcome to take part, and there is a link up over at his site. Join in any time!
This week’s trope is KNIGHTS:
Um. Noble rich people on horseback. Come on, you people know what knights are.
You’re right, we do know what knights are! And they are everywhere. Thanks to Miriam from Inky Realms for providing this topic idea!
 The Knights of the Round Table – Le Morte D’Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table
The most classic group of knights in all of literature, I daresay! Can’t have a list about knights without some real Chivalric literature. Fun fact: even though the knights of the round table are a team, almost all of their adventuring happens solo. What does that mean? A four year English degree and I still couldn’t tell ya (although I haven’t studied this text in school…). |
 Michael Carpenter – The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Michael was a member of the Knights of the Cross, an order that fights for the forces of Light; their members wield the three swords forged from the nails from the Crucifixion. So basically, they’re Knights for Jesus. That’s some seriously good mojo. |
 Kate Daniels – Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
If you’re not familiar with this series, you may be raising your eyebrow at this pick. But hear me out y’all! When the series begins, Kate is a member of the Order of Merciful Aid…whose members are referred to as Knights. Plus she carries a big-ass sword. That counts, right? |
 Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan – Protector of the Small Quartet by Tamora Pierce
While Alanna may seem like the obvious choice for this trope, I think the Lady Knight Kel is more impressive (don’t hurt me). While she does fit the uppercrust mold of a traditional knight, Kel is unique in this list. First and most obviously, she is a lady knight. Second, Kel spent much of her life in the Yamani Islands and is unfamiliar with some aspects of Tortallan culture. But maybe a fresh perspective is just what Tortal needs… |