Site News
Warning: This wiki contains spoilers. Read at your own risk!

Social media: If you would like, please join our Discord server, and/or follow us on Twitter (X) or Tumblr!

Great Knight

From Fire Emblem Wiki, your source on Fire Emblem information. By fans, for fans.
Great Knight

FESK Great Knight.png
Artwork of the Great Knight from the Fire Emblem Trading Card Game.


The heavily armored Great Knight has high defense while retaining mobility. This class can move again after taking certain actions.

Unit type(s)
  • Mounted (all titles except when dismounted in Three Houses)
  • Infantry (replaces Mounted when dismounted; Thracia 776)
  • Armored (all titles except Genealogy of the Holy War, Thracia 776, and Radiant Dawn)
Weapon(s)
  • Axe (Genealogy of the Holy War, Thracia 776, Radiant Dawn)
  • Sword, Lance, Axe (The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates)
  • Lance, Axe (specialty in Three Houses)
  • Various (Three Houses)
Skill(s)

The Great Knight (Japanese: グレートナイト Great Knight), known as the Axe Paladin (Japanese: 斧騎将グレートナイト Great Knight) in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, is an advanced mounted class, primarily axe-wielders, which debuted in Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. The class exists divided into two variations over the course of the Fire Emblem series, which share some fundamental similarities with each other but are intended somewhat differently.

In its original incarnation in Genealogy of the Holy War, Thracia 776 and Radiant Dawn, the Great Knight (Axe Paladin in Radiant Dawn) is the promoted version of the Axe Knight, exclusively wields axes, and is a counterpart to its fellow weapon-specific advanced mounted classes: Bow Knight/Bow Paladin, Duke Knight/Lance Paladin and Ranger/Blade Paladin. In Thracia 776, Great Knights are forced to dismount to enter buildings or participate in chapters set entirely indoors, and when doing so are forced to wield swords instead. The second variation is that of The Sacred Stones, Awakening, and Fates, acting as a promoted class for both Cavaliers and Knights, and possessing access to swords, lances and axes in equal measure.

In both cases, Great Knights are built to be bulkier and more defensively-oriented than their mounted counterparts by possessing greater HP and defense and slightly superior strength at the expense of lower skill and speed, though this is more pronounced in the Sacred Stones/Awakening version of the class. The Sacred Stones/Awakening variant is designed as a hybrid between mounted and armored classes, possessing the weaknesses of both categories and acting as a mid-point between the stat spreads of the two; similarly, the Sacred Stones/Awakening/Fates version possesses lower movement than all other advanced mounted classes, while the Genealogy of the Holy War/Thracia 776/Radiant Dawn version possesses equal movement to its counterparts. The Sacred Stones/Awakening/Fates Great Knights are also very effective in melee combat, as they are able to use all three weapons in the weapon triangle; they can easily pick a weapon that is advantageous against the weapon they are facing.

Stats

Base stats

Game HP Strength Magic Skill Speed Luck Defense Resistance Movement Constitution Weapon level
Genealogy of the Holy War 40 12 0 7 7 0 10 3 9 -- Axes A
Thracia 776 24 (24) 5 (4) 1 (1) 6 (5) 6 (4) 0 (0) 5 (4) -- 9 (6) 9 (9) Swords -- (E) Axes D (--)
The Sacred Stones 21/20 8/6 -- 4/6 6/7 0 11/9 3 6 13/10 Swords E Lances D Axes D
Radiant Dawn
(normal)
33/35 18/11 5/1 16/6 16/8 0 15/10 10/3 9 11/8 Axes C
Radiant Dawn
(Part 4 enemies)
38 20 7 18 18 0 17 12 9 11 Axes A
Awakening 26 11 0 6 5 0 14 1 7 -- Swords E Lances E Axes E
Fates 21 10 0 6 6 3 10 2 7 -- Swords/Katanas E Lances/Naginata E Axes/Clubs E
Three Houses 34 18 10 14 10 12 17 10 7 -- --

Max stats

Game HP Strength Magic Skill Speed Luck Defense Resistance Movement Constitution Weapon level
Genealogy of the Holy War 80 27 15 22 22 30 25 18 9 -- Axes A
Thracia 776 80 (80) 20 (20) 20 (20) 20 (20) 20 (20) 20 (20) 20 (20) -- 20 (20) 20 (20) Swords -- (A) Axes A (--)
The Sacred Stones 60 28/26 -- 24/26 24/25 30 29/28 25/26 15 25 Swords S Lances S Axes S*
Radiant Dawn
(normal)
45 26 15 25 23/25 30 24/22 16 ? ? Axes S
Radiant Dawn
(Part 4 enemies)
58 34 17 33 29 30 28 22 ? ? Axes SS
Awakening 80 48 20 34 37 45 48 30 9 -- Swords A LancesA Axes A
Fates 65 35 25 29 27 28 37 28 ?? -- Swords/Katanas B Lances/Naginata A Axes/Clubs B

Class growth rates

Game HP Strength Magic Skill Speed Luck Defense Resistance Charm Constitution* Movement* Weapon level
Genealogy of the Holy War 100% 30% 10% 30% 30% 0% 30% 10% -- -- -- --
Thracia 776 70% 30% 5% 30% 20% 20% 30% -- -- 30% 0% --
The Sacred Stones 70% 30% -- 20/25% 15/20% 20% 21% 20/22% -- -- -- --
Radiant Dawn
(normal)
55/60% 30/60% 40/25% 35/40% 25/40% 55/30% 35/40% 20/35% -- -- -- --
Radiant Dawn
(Part 4 enemies)
105% 75% 55% 80% 60% 80% 60% 55% -- -- -- --
Awakening 50/95% 25/45% 0% 15/30% 10/30% 0/40% 15/35% 5/15% -- -- -- --
Fates 20% 20% 0% 10% 5% 5% 20% 0% -- -- -- --
See class growth rate for more details on the mechanics of class growths in each game.

Class modifiers

Game HP Strength Magic Skill Speed Luck Defense Resistance Charm Movement

Class skills

Game Skill Learning conditions
Genealogy of the Holy War
Thracia 776
The Sacred Stones
Radiant Dawn
Three Houses
Canto Innate; hidden and unnamed in all appearances except Radiant Dawn and Three Houses.
Awakening
Fates
Luna Awakening: Learned at Level 5.
Fates: Learned from Level 5 and up.
Awakening Dual Guard+ Learned at Level 15.
Fates Armored Blow Learned from Level 15 and up.
Three Houses Lancefaire Innate.
Three Houses Axefaire Innate.

Class change

Genealogy of the Holy War

Base class Promotion method Advanced class
File:Bs fe04 lex axe knight axe.png
Axe Knight
Choosing the "Class change" option in a home castle after reaching Level 20. File:Bs fe04 lex great knight axe.png
Great Knight

Thracia 776

Base class Promotion method Advanced class
Bs fe05 brighton axe knight axe.png
Axe Knight
Using a Knight Proof after reaching Level 10. Bs fe05 brighton great knight axe.png
Great Knight

The Sacred Stones

Base class Promotion method Advanced class
Bs fe08 franz cavalier lance.png
Cavalier
and
Bs fe08 gilliam knight lance.png
Knight
Using a Knight Crest or Master Seal after reaching Level 10. Bs fe08 franz great knight lance.png
Great Knight

Radiant Dawn

Base class Promotion method Advanced class Promotion method Master class

Axe Knight
Using a Master Seal after reaching Level 10, or reaching Level 21.
Axe Paladin
Using a Master Crown after reaching Level 10, or reaching Level 21.
Gold Knight

Awakening

Base class Promotion method Advanced class
Ma 3ds01 cavalier playable.gif
Cavalier
and
Ma 3ds01 knight playable.gif
Knight
Using a Master Seal after reaching Level 10. Ma 3ds01 great knight playable.gif
Great Knight

Fates

Base class Promotion method Advanced class
Ma 3ds02 cavalier playable.gif
Cavalier
and
Ma 3ds02 knight playable.gif
Knight
Using a Master Seal after reaching Level 10. Ma 3ds02 great knight playable.gif
Great Knight

Frederick (Before Awakening)

Advanced class
File:Ma 3ds01 great knight frederick other.gif
Great Knight

Three Houses

Base class Certification requirements Master class
Any class Level 30
Master Seal
Axes B+, Heavy Armor A, Riding B+
Ma ns01 great knight playable.gif
Great Knight
This class is available for any unit.

Warriors

Base class Promotion method Advanced class

Great Knight
Using a Master Seal after reaching Level 15.
Guardian Knight

Playable Great Knights/Axe Paladins

Playable Characters
Name Game
Duessel The Sacred Stones
Kieran Radiant Dawn
Titania Radiant Dawn, Awakening
Frederick Awakening, Warriors
Mycen Awakening
Ephraim Awakening
Gunter Fates
Playable Great Knight units in the Fire Emblem series.

Notable enemy Great Knights/Axe Paladins

Enemy Units
Name Game
Slayder Genealogy of the Holy War First Generation
Schmidt Genealogy of the Holy War Second Generation
Fisher Genealogy of the Holy War Second Generation
Aias The Sacred Stones
Lombroso Radiant Dawn
Peri Fates: Birthright
Gunter Fates: Revelation
Gwendal Three Houses
Sylvain Three Houses Crimson Flower
Chilon Three Houses Silver SnowVerdant Wind
Gautier Three Houses Verdant Wind
Frederick Warriors
Enemy Great Knight units in the Fire Emblem series.

Notable neutral Great Knights/Axe Paladins

Other Units
Name Game
Frederick Fates (DLC chapter Before Awakening)
Neutral Great Knight units in the Fire Emblem series.

Flavor text

Template:Flavor Text

Trivia

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

• Great Knight
• Axe Paladin
• Steel Knight

• This name is used in The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates, Warriors for non-Hoshidans, and Three Houses.
• This name is used only in Radiant Dawn, matching the other "Paladin" classes of the game.
• This name is used for Hoshidan great knights in Warriors.

Spanish

• Jinete pesado
• Paladín hacha
• Jinete de acero

• Heavy rider; this name is used in The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates, Warriors for non-Hoshidans, and Three Houses.
• Axe paladin. Used only in Radiant Dawn; abbreviated to Pal. hacha in gameplay due to space restrictions.
• Steel rider. Used for Hoshidan great knights in Warriors.

French

• Grand chevalier
• Paladin hache
• Chevalier d'acier

• Great knight; this name is used in The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates, and Warriors for non-Hoshidans.
• Axe paladin. Used only in Radiant Dawn; abbreviated to Pal. hache in gameplay due to space restrictions.
• Steel Knight. Used for Hoshidan great knights in Warriors.

German

• Erzritter
• Rittmeister/Axt
• Edelritter

• Archknight, in the sense of being a "highest knight", not in the sense of being an archer knight; this name is used in The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates, Warriors for non-Hoshidans, and Three Houses.
Cavalry captain/Axe. Used only in Radiant Dawn.
• Noble knight. Used for Hoshidan great knights in Warriors.

Italian

• Gran cavalier
• Paladino ascia
• Cavaliere acciaio

• Great knight; this name is used in The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates, Warriors for non-Hoshidans, and Three Houses.
• Axe paladin. Used only in Radiant Dawn; abbreviated to Pal. ascia in gameplay due to space restrictions.
• Steel Knight. Used for Hoshidan great knights in Warriors.

Korean

그레이트 나이트

Great knight

Simplified Chinese

英勇骑士

Brave knight

Traditional Chinese

英勇騎士

Brave knight

Gallery

References

See also

Project Classes.png This article is part of Project Classes, a project focused in writing articles for every class present in the Fire Emblem series.
Classes in Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
Base classes Arch KnightAxe ArmorAxe FighterAxe KnightBardBow ArmorBow FighterCavalierFire MageFree KnightJunior LordKnightLance KnightLight PriestessMagePegasus KnightPriestPrincePrincessSword ArmorSword FighterTroubadourThiefThunder MageWind MageWyvern Knight
Advanced classes Bow KnightDuke KnightForrestGeneralGreat KnightHigh PriestKnight LordMage KnightMage FighterMaster KnightPaladinRangerSageSniperSwordmasterThief FighterWarriorWyvern Lord
Other classes BallistaBarbarianBaronBishopBrigandCivilianDancerDark BishopDark MageDark PrinceDragon RiderEmperorHunterIron BallistaKiller BallistaPirateQueen
Unused classes ArcherAxe SoldierGreat BallistaPegasus RiderSoldierSpear SoldierSword Soldier
Classes in Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
Base classes ArcherArch KnightAxe ArmorAxe FighterAxe KnightBallistaBardBow ArmorBow FighterBrigandCavalierCivilianClericDancerDragon RiderFree KnightHunterIron BallistaLance ArmorLance KnightLoptr MageLordMagePegasus RiderPiratePoison BallistaPriestPrinceSoldierSword ArmorSword FighterThiefTroubadour
Advanced classes BaronBerserkerBishopBow KnightDark BishopDark MageDuke KnightGeneralGreat KnightHigh PriestMage KnightMercenaryPegasus KnightSageSniperRangerSwordmasterThief FighterWarriorWyvern Knight
Unused/cutscene classes Dark PrinceEmperorFalcon KnightForrestJunior LordKiller BallistaKnight LordMaster KnightWyvern Lord
Classes in Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Base classes ArcherBrigandCavalierCivilianClericDancerFighterFleetJourneymanKnightLordMageManaketeMercenaryMonkMyrmidonPeerPegasus KnightPhantomPiratePontifexPriestPupilQueenRecruitShamanSoldierThiefTroubadourWyvern Rider
Advanced classes AssassinBerserkerBishopDruidFalcoknightGeneralGreat KnightGreat LordHeroMage KnightManaketeNecromancerPaladinRangerRogueSageSniperSummonerSwordmasterValkyrieWarriorWyvern KnightWyvern Lord
Base monster classes BaelBonewalkerGargoyleGorgon EggMauthe DoogMogallRevenantTarvos
Advanced monster classes Arch MogallCyclopsDeathgoyleDemon KingDraco ZombieElder BaelEntombedGorgonGwyllgiMaelduinWight
Removed class Apprentice
Classes in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Base classes ArcherArmored AxeArmored LanceArmored SwordAxe KnightBanditBow KnightCitizenDracoknightFighterFire MageHorseLance KnightLight MageMyrmidonPegasus KnightPilgrimPriestSoldierSword KnightThiefThunder MageVendorWind Mage
Advanced classes Axe GeneralAxe PaladinBishopBlade PaladinBow PaladinClericDark SageDragonmasterDruidFalconknightFire SageHalberdierHeroLance GeneralLance PaladinLight SageRogueSniperSword GeneralSwordmasterThunder SageWarriorWind Sage
Master classes Arch SageAssassinBlack KnightChancellorDragonlordEmpressGold KnightLight PriestessMarksmanMarshallOrder IncarnateQueenReaverSaintSentinelSeraph KnightSilver KnightSpiritSummonerTruebladeValkyrieVanguardWhisper
Laguz classes Beast Tribe (CatLionLion KingTigerWolfWolf Queen) • Bird Tribe (HawkHawk KingHeronRavenRaven King) • Dragon Tribe (Black DragonRed DragonWhite Dragon)
Classes in Fire Emblem Awakening
Base classes ArcherBarbarianCavalierClericDark MageFighterKnightLordMageMercenaryMyrmidonPegasus KnightPriestTacticianThiefTroubadourWyvern Rider
Advanced classes AssassinBerserkerBow KnightDark FlierDark KnightFalcon KnightGeneralGrandmasterGreat KnightGreat LordGriffon RiderHeroPaladinSageSniperSorcererSwordmasterTricksterValkyrieWar ClericWar MonkWarriorWyvern Lord
Other classes BrideConquerorDancerDread FighterEntombedGrimaLodestarManaketeMerchantMirageOutrealm ClassRevenantSoldierTaguelVillager
Classes in Fire Emblem Fates
Base classes ApothecaryArcherCavalierDark MageDivinerFighterKitsuneKnightMercenaryMonkNinjaNohr PrinceNohr PrincessOni SavageOutlawSamuraiShrine MaidenSky KnightSpear FighterTroubadourVillagerWolfskinWyvern Rider
Advanced classes AdventurerBerserkerBasaraBlacksmithBow KnightButlerDark KnightFalcon KnightGeneralGreat KnightGreat MasterHeroHoshido NobleKinshi KnightMaidMalig KnightMaster NinjaMaster of ArmsMechanistMerchantNine-TailsNohr NobleOni ChieftainOnmyojiPaladinPriestessSniperSorcererSpear MasterStrategistSwordmasterWolfssegnerWyvern Lord
Non-human classes Astral DragonAutomatonFacelessFeral DragonStoneborn
Other classes BallisticianBlight DragonClericDark FalconDread FighterEmpty VesselGrandmasterGreat LordLancerLodestarLordMyrmidonNohrian KingOutrealm ClassPegasus KnightSilent DragonSongstressVanguardWitch
Classes in Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Unique classes Armored LordBarbarossaCommonerDancerDeath KnightEmperorEnlightened OneGreat LordHigh LordNobleWyvern Master
Beginner classes FighterMonkMyrmidonSoldier
Intermediate classes ArcherArmored KnightBrawlerBrigandCavalierDark MageLordMageMercenaryPegasus KnightPriestThief
Advanced classes AssassinBishopDark BishopFortress KnightGrapplerHeroPaladinSniperSwordmasterWarlockWarriorWyvern Rider
Special classes Dark FlierTricksterValkyrieWar ClericWar Monk
Master classes Bow KnightDark KnightFalcon KnightGreat KnightGremoryHoly KnightMortal SavantWar MasterWyvern Lord
Monster classes Altered Demonic BeastAltered GolemBlack BeastDemonic BeastExperimental Demonic BeastFlying Demonic BeastGiant BirdGiant CrawlerGiant Demonic BeastGiant WolfGolemGuardian GolemHegemon HuskThe Immaculate OneLord of the DesertLord of the LakeTitanusUmbral BeastWandering BeastWhite BeastWild Demonic Beast
Other classes AgastyaArchbishopFlame EmperorKing of LiberationRuffianSaintVerrat