Lion Knights.2FCrusaders .281984-1992.29 Lego Castle

a lion knight minifigure

the sets form basis of lion knights released same year black falcons in 1984. lion knights shield used either blue lion against yellow background or yellow lion against blue background, both red border. mini-figures associated these shields invariably had blue or red pants , red torsos blue sleeves, , helmets gray; , although many of them had shield-like emblem on shirts, not same lion shield design, rather, 2 black , gold axes crossing each other against black , gold background, split down middle, red border. few of these sets later inducted lion knight subtheme, fans retroactively consider such sets lion knight sets. black falcons, lego never officially named faction time, although catalogues in united states , australia used name lion knights while canada used lion crest. 1992 canadian catalogue officially established faction crusaders.

over years, lion knights included in many sets along black falcons, forestmen, , black knights. examples include 6067 guarded inn in 1986, 6103 castle mini figures in 1988, , 6060 knights challenge, set successor after 1979 6083 knights tournament, in 1989 (ten years later).

an unusual lion knights set 6041 armor shop in 1986, set have rare black short sword , lion knight flag.

the first castle under lion knights 6080 king s castle. castle 1 of largest lego castle sets produced. 4 mounted knights , 8 soldiers/guards included. walls of castle opened play inside castle.

the second , last lion knight s castle released 6081 king s mountain fortress in 1990. 1 of first sets feature newly invented knight helmet visor , armor pieces. crossbows , glow in dark ghost new pieces introduced. king s mountain fortress first lego castle mounted on raised baseplate feature in subsequent lego castles in lego pirates. 2 exclusive elements set included princess , black-colored bird. small crusader-style set, king s catapult appears lego castle set released in 1991. finally, last lion knight-style set produced 1463 treasure cart released in 1992, small set included soldier pulling treasure chest on cart.

in 2001, lego re-released well-known guarded inn, re-numbered (#10000) lego legend. set consisted of 2 lion knights, mounted black falcon knight, , inn keeper. set structure include red tudor walls. 1 change in reissue horse saddle had 2 clips instead of one. since 1984, lego castle had horse saddles single clip (except horse barding saddles) @ 1 side until 1992 when changed 2 clips.

the lion knights (like other knight factions) in open conflict forestmen, shown several catalog dioramas, analogous legendary conflict between king john of england versus robin hood , merry men of outlaws. sets such 6060 knights challenge suggested lion knights had respected rivalry other knights, black falcons , black knights. 1992 canadian catalogue described lion knights (renaming them crusaders) looking take on country s rule while establishing black knights longtime rulers of countryside , possibly suggesting these factions go war.