Knightcore is a Royalcore sub-aesthetic inspired by medieval knights. Knightcore has a large presence on Tumblr, characterized by themes of combat and nature visuals. There is also often overlap with Medieval Fantasy, as opposed to being based solely on historical knights.
Like the related aesthetic Princecore, a section of this aesthetic is centered around gay relationships and the two are often paired together, similar to how Knightcore is also paired with Princesscore. This aesthetic is especially popular with queer women, who are often either attracted to women in suits of armor or wish to be a knight because of motifs of dedication to a princess/lady and breaking away from gender roles.
Fashion[]
Due to their practical purposes, historically accurate and historically-inspired knight attire is generally uncomfortable and regarded as inappropriate for everyday wear and most formal occasions. They are mostly used in art and cosplay.
This aesthetic often utilizes modern interpretations of Medieval armor, as opposed to historically accurate depictions of it.
- Leather
- Metal armor
- Gauntlets
- Chainmail
- Vests
- Cloaks
- Crowns
- Jewelry, especially rings
- Sheaths
- Swords
- Shields
Practical[]
- Layering (eg. firm fabrics on soft)
- Tucked shirts
- Leather
- Metal
- Headpieces, eg. small crowns
- Sun and moon designs
- Corsets
- Puff sleeves
- Vests
- Gloves
- Belts
- Buckles
- Jewelry, especially rings and bracelets
- Boots
- Chains
- Small bags and pouches
- Simplistic
Activities[]
Horse-back riding
Fencing/Swordfighting
Archery
Running
Protecting/Bodyguarding
Practice fights
Visuals[]
Knightcore uses visuals similar to other Royalcore sub-aesthetics, but differs in its focus on knighthood, war, and adventure. Here is a short list of common Knightcore visuals:
- Wide, open skies
- Fields
- Crosses
- Palaces and castles
- Medieval marketplaces
- Horses
- Metal, especially armor
- Chainmail
- Swords
- Daggers
- Shields
- Leather
- Flags, especially medieval flags
- Symbolic imagery
- Fire
- Blood
- Forests, especially during autumn and winter
- Conflict/War
Media[]
Written Works[]
- Krzyżacy (Knights of the Teutonic Order) by Henryk Sienkiewicz
- Grażyna by Adam Mickiewicz
Films[]
- A Knight's Tale (2001)
- Braveheart (1995)
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
- El Cid (1961)
- The Green Knight (2021) by David Lowery
- The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
- The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
- The Tale of Despareaux (2008)
- Excalibur (1981)
- Snow White and the Huntsman
TV Shows[]
- Galavant
- Prince Valiant
- Knightmare (1987-1994)
- Merlin
Video Games[]
- Defender of the Crown (1986)
- Heroes of Might and Magic (1995-2003)
- Knightmare (1986)
- Shalom: Knightmare III' (1987)
- Neopets: The Darkest Faerie (2005)
- Chivalry: Medieval Warfare (2012)
- Demon's Souls (2009-2010/2020)
- Dark Souls (2011-2018)
- For Honor (2017)
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018)
- Medievil (1998, 2019)
Music[]
Knightcore includes performances of songs composed from the Medieval period to the Renaissance and modern songs created in the Medieval style. It features instruments such as the lute, violin, and choir voices.
Playlists[]
YouTube[]
- you've fallen in with love with the prince you're supposed to assassinate (dark royalty core)
- the prince asks you for a dance at his spring ball and you fall in love
- running away with your lover that you were told to stay away from while it rains (royalty core)
- World's Most Epic Adventure Music | 2-Hour Orchestral Music Mix
- The Stranglers - Golden Brown
Bands[]
- Blind Guardian
- Jethro Tull
- Rush (Caress of Steel, A Farewell to Kings)
Resources[]
Accounts[]
Tumblr[]
Gallery[]
