Who is The Black Knight From Monty Python & the Holy Grail

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The Knight Who Didn't Know When To Quit

One of the most memorable characters from Monty Python and the Holy Grail is the deluded and triumphant Black Knight. Played by John Cleese, the Black Knight is an extreme version of the traditional 'brave and noble knight' often found in Arthurian stories camped out at crossroads dueling all comers. This random encounter involves King Arthur (and his faithful horse... uh, mimicker, Patsy) walking into a duel to the death between a Black and a Green Knight. After finishing off the Green Knight, the Black Knight refuses to allow King Arthur to cross the wooden bridge, and so they duel.

This has to be one of the funniest fights in film history, and certainly one of the most quoted. King Arthur easily cuts of limb after limb, as the delusional Black Knight refuses to quit. Or even acknowledge his lack of arms. Dismembered knights make for some very fun toys.

This character is one of the most popular from the entire film and has been referenced, parodied and cosplayed. His likeness has also been used to illustrate (usually in parody) a situation where someone simply refuses to admit they've lost!

Have You Seen The Black Knight In Action Before?

Have you ever seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail?

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Watch the Black Knight In Action

The original skit from the film is quite short, so take a moment to

[Warning: spurts of fake blood and repeated dismemberment. Also, the first knight, the Green Knight, gets a sword through the eye-sockets of his helmet, which is somewhat unpleasant to those viewers with imagination]

Fun fact! The Green Knight was also played by Terry Gilliam (who played King Arthur's serf, Patsy) so he watches himself die!
Monty Python And The Holy Grail- The Black Knight
by bassmanFOO | video info

16,430 ratings | 3,563,642 views
curated content from YouTube

Quick, what do you think of Black Knight?

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Black Knight Figure Replica

A limited edition statue from Sideshow Collectibles

JOHN CLEESE AS THE BLACK KNIGHT 12 Inch Monty Python and the Holy Grail 2002 Sideshow Toy Collectible Action Figure

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The Black Knight stands 12 inches tall and has an authentic replica helm and costume. The figure has both high articulation as well as detachable limbs, revealing bloody stumps. Comes with a two-handed sword and a figure display stand. The Black Knight was sculpted by Jared Chapman and was released by SideShow Toy as part of a limited series of 10,000. The packaging of the first batch of Sideshow's Holy Grail action figures was a window box, although Sideshow has now returned to their "older" style of packaging, with the fifth panel flap. (Collectors prefer the flap, retailers prefer the window box. Sideshow's move to limited editions and to the specialty market allows them to cater more to collectors and to return to the sturdier boxes with flaps.) The front flap has the movie poster as the backdrop, with the character name added to the center. For the Black Knight, the box has "blood" spatters all over, and for the Dead Collector, this effect is created with tremendous globs of "mud." The blood and mud are glossy, which sets them apart from the rest of the printing on the box. Also done in gloss are small bits of "scotch tape" which appear to be attaching various notes to the boxes. The backs of the packages list design credits for the action figures. From "portraits sculpted by" all the way down to "limb gathering by," the boxes are filled with little bits of such Pythonesque humor. Even the twist tie warnings on the bottoms are written in a Python tone.

Black Knight Plushies

Adorably dismemberable figures!

Adorable Black Knight plushie with detachable arms and legs!

Dolls that your brother really CAN pull the arms and legs off!

When you where young, did you have trouble with siblings stealing your barbies and action figures and biting/cutting/pulling important limbs off? Then fear not! At last, a toy that is designed to be dismembered! Also a fun gift for those people who were the ones who did the dismembering. Like me *looks innocently at ceiling*

This poor fellow needs a hand or is it a leg? It's time to have fun with dismemberment, From Monty Python's The Quest for the Holy Grail, comes this 14" Black Knight Plush. He features amusing details from the very special universe of Monty Python, including Velcro-assisted memberment and dismemberment. In the process of defending his territory, your knight may occasionally part with one or all of his limbs. Don't panic, this is a natural defense mechanism on the part of the knight, and rarely fatal. This guy is one sure way to get a leg up on your friends.
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Best Quote From the Black Knight?

And by 'best' I mean... well. Crazy?

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Favourite Line From King Arthur?

It's all in the tone of voice...

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Who Do You Root For?

The Black Knight or King Arthur?

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Black Knight

John_Michael says:

Black knight of course... he's the hero!

King Arthur

TheCureForYouthMinistry says:

King Arthur, but the Black Knight knows how to deliver a comic line.

 

Aaaagh!

King Arthur and Patsy watching the Black Knight fight the Green Knight

BLACK KNIGHT:
Aaaagh!
BLACK KNIGHT:
Aaagh!
GREEN KNIGHT:
Ooh!
[stab]
BLACK KNIGHT:
Aagh!
GREEN KNIGHT:
Oh!
Ooh! Uuh.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Aaaagh!
[clang]
BLACK KNIGHT and GREEN KNIGHT:
Agh!, oh!, etc.

None. Shall. Pass.

King Arthur and Patsy first speak to the Black Knight.

ARTHUR:
You fight with the strength of many men, Sir Knight.
[pause]
I am Arthur, King of the Britons.
[pause]
I seek the finest and the bravest knights in the land to join me in my court at Camelot.
[pause]

You have proved yourself worthy. Will you join me?
[pause]
You make me sad. So be it. Come, Patsy.

I move for no man

A doleful and mysterious voice echoes from the inscrutable knight's helmet...

BLACK KNIGHT:
None shall pass.
ARTHUR:
What?
BLACK KNIGHT:
None shall pass.
ARTHUR:
I have no quarrel with you, good Sir Knight, but I must cross this bridge.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Then you shall die.
ARTHUR:
I command you, as King of the Britons, to stand aside!
BLACK KNIGHT:
I move for no man.

So be it!

The fight begins!

ARTHUR:
So be it!
ARTHUR and BLACK KNIGHT:
Aaah!, hiyaah!, etc.
[ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHT's left arm off]

Tis but a scratch!

Both combatants pause and look the arm ....

ARTHUR:
Now stand aside, worthy adversary.
BLACK KNIGHT:
'Tis but a scratch.
ARTHUR:
A scratch? Your arm's off!
BLACK KNIGHT:
No, it isn't.
ARTHUR:
Well, what's that, then?
BLACK KNIGHT:
I've had worse.
ARTHUR:
You liar!
BLACK KNIGHT:
Come on, you pansy!
[clang]
Huyah!
[clang]
Hiyaah!
[clang]
Aaaaaaaah!
[ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHT's right arm off]

ARTHUR:
Victory is mine!
[kneeling]
We thank Thee Lord, that in Thy mer--
BLACK KNIGHT:
Hah!
[kick]
Come on, then.
ARTHUR:
What?
BLACK KNIGHT:
Have at you!
[kick]
ARTHUR:
Eh. You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Oh, had enough, eh?
ARTHUR:
Look, you stupid bastard. You've got no arms left.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Yes, I have.
ARTHUR:
Look!
BLACK KNIGHT:
Just a flesh wound.
[kick]
ARTHUR:
Look, stop that.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Chicken!
[kick]
Chickennn!
ARTHUR:
Look, I'll have your leg.
[kick]
Right!
[whop]
[ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHT's right leg off]

What are you going to do, bleed on me?

Down to one leg, the Black Knight (now played by Richard Burton) tries to attack King Arthur

BLACK KNIGHT:
Right. I'll do you for that!
ARTHUR:
You'll what?
BLACK KNIGHT:
Come here!
ARTHUR:
What are you going to do, bleed on me?
BLACK KNIGHT:
I'm invincible!
ARTHUR:
You're a looney.
BLACK KNIGHT:
The Black Knight always triumphs! Have at you! Come on, then.
[whop]
[ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHT's last leg off]

Oh? All right, we'll call it a draw.

Still determined to triumph, the Black Knight loses all his limbs to Arthur

BLACK KNIGHT:
Oh? All right, we'll call it a draw.
ARTHUR:
Come, Patsy.
BLACK KNIGHT:
Oh. Oh, I see. Running away, eh? You yellow bastards! Come back here and take what's coming to you. I'll bite your legs off!

The Black Knight - Political Cartoon

Monty Python and the Neverending Campaign by Rob Tornoe

Monty Python and the Neverending Campaign

Monty Python Parody From Kids Swede Movies

The cutest flesh wound you ever saw

KIDS SWEDE MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL -- (We Don't Give A Frak)
by wedontgiveafrak | video info

494 ratings | 51,660 views
curated content from YouTube

The Black Knight Versus Star Wars

....video parodies of the Black Knight skit

Various parodies have (of course) been made, starring the voices of such Dark Knights as Darth Vader and Batman, as well as actual re-enactments.
Monty Python Meets Star Wars
by fanpop | video info

4,741 ratings | 967,147 views
curated content from YouTube

Monty Python Black Knight Plush Slippers

Little fluffy dismembered knights to keep your feet cosy!

Monty Python Black Knight Plush Slippers

Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
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Our favorite black knight is back and this time ready to defend your feet to the bloody end. One thing must be said, though ignorant of pain and the tide of battle, the Black Knight would not surrender his post at any cost and, with a bit more intellect, may have made an excellent addition to the Knights of the Round.

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Black Knight T-Shirts

Wear his quotes and likeness!

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Black Knight T-Shirts on eBay

See if there's on in your size. You won't need sleeves, obviously.

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Black Knight Helmets

Buy your own toy helmet and you too can be menacing and faceless!

Monty Python Toy Vault Black Knight Plush Helmet

Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
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A symbol of darkness rivaling the iniquity of the Knight Of Ni Hat, the Black Knight Plush Helmet is a wearable helmet. Iron-black and bolt-studded, blunt-oblong, the helmet features a broad visor slot---a feature offering the type of peripheral range as to hopefully avoid dismembered appendages. This grim helmet was once worn by the terrible Black Knight, a former adversary of noble King Arthur! Arthur arrives just in time to watch the Black Knight defeat the Green Knight. Stirred by the Black Knightâ?TMs lethal prowess, Arthur invites the Black Knight to join the Knights of the Round Table. Contemptuously, the Black Knight disregards the offer, and then reacts offensively when Arthur attempts to cross the bridge. Reluctantly, Arthur is drawn into a duel with the Black Knight. The Black Knight remains undeterred even when Arthur begins to dismember him. All part of the plan. Believing the duel to be over, Arthur reverses his broadsword and kneels reverently---only to be kicked in the head by his disdainful adversary. Secure in the knowledge that he has now drawn his opponent within striking distance, the Black Knight continues the fight, sensing the completion of his cunning strategy as Arthur chops away his one remaining legâ?¦

The Black Knight's Helmet

Replica of the Black Knight's helmet

Monty Python Black Knight Helmets on eBay

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Black Knight Costumes For Adults

Dress up as the Black Knight and stand across random paths!

Monty Python Black Knight Costume Adult Standard

Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
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Comes with tunic with red boar chest patch, detachable padded arm, metal studded helmet and a glove

Officially Licensed Black Knight Tunic

Dress up as the Black Knight!

One of the fiddliest parts of the Black Knight costume - leglessness s the easiest part, now we have beer - is painting the red boar's head on the front. Buy a proper replica tunic, and throw away your worries along with your arms, legs, common sense, fears and money!

Monty Python Black Knight Tunics and Costumes on eBay

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A Quick Search: More Black Knight Costumes

Other people's versions of the Black Knight

Not to be confused with Batman, also known as the Dark or Black Knight.
Looking back at Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Over the trailer for the 2001 re-release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a recognizably squawky Terry Jones, in character as one of the 'pepperpots' that were so familiar in the Python films and TV shows, shouts: ?I prefer Life of Brian!
Davis Gaines to Play King Arthur in MTW's SPAMALOT, 6/29-7/15
A musical ?lovingly ripped off? from the internationally famous comedy troupe's classic film comedy ?Monty Python and the Holy Grail,? MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, ...
Spamalot done in the best possible taste
The group of six men who made up Monty Python went on to produce a couple of movies, including Life of Brian and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Spamalot is the stage version of the second one. It's a while since I've seen the movie but it travels ...
Theatres - Starting This Week - May 17 onwards
JODIE Prenger and Todd Carty star in this touring production of the hysterically funny comedy based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail which tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a variety of ...

Black Knight Tattoos!

Real tattoos of the Black Knight From Monty Python and the Holy Grail

"None Shall Pass" pose - Black Knight tattoo - Monty Python and The Holy Grail

I can't find the original of the above tattoo, but I'm guessing it's on or by the guy who uploaded it to FanPop.

Legless and Armless Black Knight Tattoo by Wade Johnson

This more colourful and blood-spurty tattoo was by a tattoo artist known as Wade Johnson from McDonough in the US.

Black Knight Security Tin Sign

12"W x 16"H

More About Monty Python's Black Knight

A quick daily search in case his legs turn up

Looking back at Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Over the trailer for the 2001 re-release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a recognizably squawky Terry Jones, in character as one of the 'pepperpots' that were so familiar in the Python films and TV shows, shouts: ?I prefer Life of Brian!
Monty Python's classic tale of King Arthur's quest comes to the Main
For decades, it has been a source of inspiration to comedy geeks, whose level of geekiness is often measured by how well they can impersonate the Knights Who Say Ni or the unfortunate Black Knight. ("It's just a flesh wound.") Other Python films ...
Monday Meltdown: Hell hath no fury like an 'Error 37' message
Everyone knows that Monty Python invented ?Tebowing? when King Arthur fought the Black Knight. [NFL] ???? A partnership between Newcastle University and Limbs Alive, Ltd. uses a specially-designed video game with ?next-gen? motion control technology to ...
Davis Gaines to Play King Arthur in MTW's SPAMALOT, 6/29-7/15
Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer and Steven Glaudini, Artistic Director of Musical Theatre West, have announced that Davis Gaines (LA's Phantom of the Opera) will star in the upcoming MTW production of MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT.

More Awesome Pages About Monty Python and the Holy Grail

A wide range of toys and t-shirts for all your dueling needs!

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None Shall Pass (without reading this page)

Oh. Oh, I see. Running away, eh? You yellow bastards! Come back here and take what's coming to you. I'll bite your legs off!

Are you mortally wounded with laughter yet?

  • Lifeboost Mar 6, 2012 @ 4:23 am | delete
    Heh heh - excellent lens! Great fun, and fully Blessed. :)
  • LissaRhys Nov 11, 2011 @ 6:32 am | delete
    Great lens! Long live Monty python! (And the Black Knight.)
  • calistoeloi Oct 25, 2011 @ 1:24 am | delete
    One of the greatest scenes in Monty Python's ridiculously extensive list of great scenes. The Black Knight Plushies made me laugh...
  • AlleyCatLane Aug 27, 2011 @ 10:31 pm | delete
    I had forgotten about this skit. Thought it was a riot when young. Thanks for the memory.
  • 0ctavias0fferings Oct 30, 2010 @ 4:05 am | delete
    Glad you added that quote, my favourite too :) Great job on this lens.
  • jptanabe Oct 29, 2010 @ 9:23 am | delete
    Oh tis but a scratch! Great job on the Black Knight. But I think my favorite line is "Oh? All right, we'll call it a draw." in the face of absolute defeat!
  • Flynn_the_Cat Oct 29, 2010 @ 9:28 am | delete
    Dang it! How did I miss that one? Luckily you're the first person to vote, so I've added it to the poll :D

P.S. If you buy something from this page...

This message officially approved by King Arthur.

Come on Patsy! Let's go buy a Black Knight plushie and re-enact this epic duel!... you'll automatically be making a donation to The Acumen Fund, working to solve global poverty. King Arthur approves of this.

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Awesome Gifts From Monty Python & the Holy Grail 

(and by 'gift' I mean for yourself, of course)

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Why Aren't You Watching This Right Now? 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition)

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Could this be the funniest movie ever made? By any rational measure of comedy, this medieval romp from the Monty Python troupe certainly belongs on the short list of candidates. According to Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide, it's "recommended for fans only," but we say hogwash to that--you could be a complete newcomer to the Python phenomenon and still find this send-up of the Arthurian legend to be wet-your-pants hilarious.

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