A Knight's Tale

A Knight's Tale

Year: 2001

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

Director: Brian Helgeland

ActionAdventureRomance

In medieval Europe, a plucky young squire (Heath Ledger) defies convention by masquerading as a noble knight, winning hearts and accolades in the thrill of jousting tournaments. But when his secret is exposed, he must confront the consequences of his deception and fight to reclaim the love of a princess who may never forgive his lies.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Knight's Tale (2001)
Trace every key event in A Knight's Tale (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

The Death of Sir Ector

The story begins with the unexpected death of Sir Ector, the master of William Thatcher, Roland, and Wat. This event leaves the three squires in a precarious position, grappling with their uncertain future in a harsh medieval society.

14th Century
2

William Takes on His Master's Identity

Determined to reshape his destiny, William decides to don the armor of his deceased master, Sir Ector. This audacious move sets him on a path to compete in the prestigious jousting tournament, a feat initially deemed impossible for a commoner.

Jousting Tournament
3

Preparation for the Tournament

As William passionately trains to compete against the nobility, his friends Roland and Wat initially plan to leave with their newfound fortune. However, they ultimately relent and agree to help William perfect his skills, solidifying their bond.

4

Meeting Geoffrey Chaucer

William encounters Geoffrey Chaucer, who becomes pivotal in his quest for nobility. Chaucer agrees to forge a patent of nobility for William, allowing him to masquerade as Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein, but carries the weight of debts owed to dangerous figures.

5

Defeating Chaucer's Debts

Throughout the tournament, William's skill in the sword event helps him to alleviate Chaucer's mounting debts. This victory not only showcases William's prowess but also strengthens his support network and credibility among competitors.

Jousting Tournament
6

William's Growing Reputation

William's victories catch the eye of Jocelyn, a noblewoman, along with Count Adhemar of Anjou, who also seeks her affection. Despite initial setbacks, William stands firm in his commitment to succeed both for himself and for Jocelyn.

7

A Rivalry Emerges

Adhemar initially gains the advantage in winning Jocelyn's affection and taunts William with sharp criticisms. This rivalry intensifies William's determination, prompting a pledge to prove his worth and win her heart.

8

Match Against Prince Edward

In a crucial tournament match, William faces Sir Thomas Colville, who is revealed to be Prince Edward. While Adhemar bows out to avoid harming the prince, William's bravery earns him Edward's respect and admiration.

Jousting Tournament
9

William's Climb to Glory

With Adhemar temporarily called away, William capitalizes on this opportunity to establish himself as a formidable competitor. As he wins match after match, his feelings for Jocelyn deepen, revealing a commitment that transcends mere competition.

10

Intrigue in London

Upon arriving in London for the World Championship, William reflects on his humble beginnings and the sacrifices made to pursue his dreams. Concurrently, Adhemar reveals his plan to marry Jocelyn, igniting a fierce conflict between the two rivals.

London
11

Identity Crisis and Capture

After achieving success, William faces betrayal when Adhemar exposes his true identity, leading to his capture and public humiliation. Despite this setback, William’s friends stand by him, proving the strength of their loyalty amid adversity.

12

Intervention by Prince Edward

In a pivotal moment, Prince Edward intervenes to rectify the misunderstanding regarding William's identity. He acknowledges William's nobility by lineage, knighted him in a dramatic proclamation, and reaffirms his worth within the tournament.

Jousting Tournament
13

The Final Showdown

The tournament reaches its climax as William and Adhemar prepare for their final joust. Adhemar employs deceitful tactics, but William, fueled by his love for Jocelyn and the memory of his father, fights valiantly for victory.

Jousting Arena
14

Victory and Reconciliation

In an exhilarating display of courage, William overcomes Adhemar in the final challenge, winning both the tournament and Jocelyn’s heart. Their emotional reunion amidst the adoring crowd marks the triumph of love, honor, and perseverance.

15

The Dawn of a New Legacy

As festivities celebrate William's victory, Chaucer reflects on the significance of their journey, pondering the possibilities of documenting their epic tale. This moment heralds not only William's success but also the beginning of a legendary chapter in history.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:44

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