The Order of the Black Knights

The emblem of the Order of the Black Knights

Various members of the Black Knights, from left to right: Inoue, Yoshida, Kaname, Kallen, Sayoko, Diethard, Zero, C.C., Kaguya, Rakshata, Tohdoh, Tamaki, Kento, and Yoshitaka.

The Black Knights, technically referred to as the "Order of the Black Knights" are a group of vigilante rebels who fight against the Holy Empire of Britannia. Created by Zero, they define themselves as "allies of justice", and differentiate themselves from terrorists groups such as the Japan Liberation Front, who take hostages and kill civilians, though this may simply be a tactic to increase public support and recruitment. Most of members are former Elevens, many of whom have defected from other insurgent groups, though many other peoples, even Britannians may be found among their ranks. They use a white bird-shaped symbol, similar to the Geass sigil, on a dark background, as their symbol.

History

Zero introduces the Black Knights to the world as an organization which protects those without power from those who have it. Under his leadership, the Black Knights grow in strength exponentially, becoming a force rivaling the Britannian army. At the end of the first season, Lelouch declares the formation of the United State of Japan, a nation of acceptance and tolerance where any and all can seek refuge.

Though Lelouch reorganizes the Black Knights to form a structured hierarchy and chain of command, the Black Knights rely heavily on his masterful strategies, unable to act effectively when he has not given them specific orders. During the Black Rebellion in the first season finale, the group falls apart when Lelouch suddenly takes leave. Several key members are arrested by Britannia, while others go into hiding.

After having his memories restored in the second season, Lelouch works to form a larger alliance of nations know as the United States Alliance to fight Britannia. He arranges the exile of the Black Knights from Japan for this purpose, making their new base of operations on an artificial island off the coast of China. He starts by returning control of the Chinese Federation to its Empress, making them his first ally.

Core Members

Former Resistance members

Kaname Ohgi

Karen Kozuki

Kento Sugiyama

Shinichirō Tamaki

Yoshitaka Minami

Analysis of Core Members of the Black Knights

Former Japan Liberation Front members

Kyoshiro Tohdoh

Nagisa Chiba

Shōgo Asahina

Kyōto House

Kaguya Sumeragi

Other members

Diethard Reid

Rakshata Chawla

Affiliates

The Black Knights were originally funded by a small group of Japanese businessmen called the Kyoto House who secretly work against Britannian rule. In the second season, they begin negotiations with the Chinese Federation, who grant them Peglai Island