How were European knights noblemen and elite soldiers at the same time?

by kookjapuuks

Hi,

This question is, I guess, related to earlier (and later) ages and civilizations as well because as I understand it to have good weapons and good armor you had to be rich and powerful pretty much anywhere.

I just can't really picture it, how come knights were considered the elite and most powerful units when they were rich nobleman at the same time. How is it that all knights just happened to be noblemen and somehow the best fighters at the same time? I would imagine a nobleman living a sheltered life compared to his servants (or soldiers) could not be an effective fighter because they were not enthusiastic about risking their sweet life whereas someone of lower status could see military service as a career if you will.

In films they are usually some sort of super soldiers who fight better than the hardened lowly grunts.

Also knights were landowners, so how could they make up a sufficiently large military force on their own at all?

I apologize also for this broad question that probably covers a lot of history and different contexts. :)

Thank you!

I just can't really picture it, how come knights were considered the elite and most powerful units when they were rich nobleman at the same time. How is it that all knights just happened to be noblemen and somehow the best fighters at the same time?

It's eminently possible. Where you go wrong is here:

I would imagine a nobleman living a sheltered life compared to his servants (or soldiers) could not be an effective fighter because they were not enthusiastic about risking their sweet life whereas someone of lower status could see military service as a career if you will.

Here's a consideration for you: What if your status as a noble is directly dependent on your military prowess? That nobility is a reflection of your social class, which is outright expected to fight? What if all cultural expectation of you, in your station as a noble, demands that you get out there and fight? What if your upbringing, as a noble, is all about preparing you to fight?

Here's some previous answers for your consideration:

u/PartyMoses looks at the societal role and expectations of a knight;
and also goes into how their 'training' worked.

And as always, more answers are welcome from anyone who can address the matter!