Armored Knights

The Armored Knights are the main antagonists in The Last Guardian.

Summary
The Armored Knights are the primary antagonists of The Last Guardian. Though their reasons for chasing the Boy are unclear, it has been suggested by many players that they might be reacting to the curse that is central to the storyline of both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. If the Boy is related to Ico, and thus Wander, it is possible that he has the curse as well, and might have brought ill upon a village. It is also possible that they are simply animated armor, as the Tokyo Game Show trailer showed Trico slashing one, and it instantly dissolving. Likewise, when the Boy removes the helmet from one Knight, there is shown to be nothing inside. This does not preclude the curse angle, however, as it is possible that they are simply guardians of the stone setting of the game, and the Boy is being imprisoned much like Ico originally was.

Appearance
The Knights appear to wear birdlike armor that is covered in detailed engravings. This may or may not be linked to Trico and the boy's tattoos. The armor features glowing eyes and beaks, and has plating that mimics Trico's feathers.

History
The Armored Knight is actually a recycled concept from the original Ico game. Originally, the Knights were supposed to be antagonists that attempt to kill Ico, who would then use the environment to restrain them. In Ico, the Queen's Castle was originally supposed to be inhabited by knights, not shadows, and was meant to be a functioning fortress. The concept was thrown out, however, when it was realized that in order to have the knights be the primary antagonists, the castle would have to be designed so that Ico always had a vantage point from which to attack, dramatically increasing the verticality of the setting. Additionally, the knights did not fit into the story and art style. They were recycled in a way into the men who hold Ico at the beginning of the game before leaving him in the castle, though the concept was clearly held off for The Last Guardian.

Name Meaning
The Armored Knights have not been named.

Trivia

 * The Armored Knights might be related to the concept of the legendary Hebrew animated Golems. Other games have had ties into Hebrew mythology and language, such as the Shrine of Worship mirroring the Tower of Babel, so this is not beyond the pale.