The Ordeal of Knighthood is the last step a squire has to take before becoming a Knight of Tortall. The ordeal begins the previous night, when the squire takes a cleansing bath and is instructed by two experienced knights. Afterwards the squire has to keep vigil in front of the Chamber of the Ordeal over night. The most important phase of the ordeal is actually going into the chamber. In it the prospect knight is faced with his (or her) greatest fears. However, he or she has to endure whatever he experiences in silence as they aren't allowed to make a sound until the door of the chamber opens again.

It is possible that squires undertaking the ordeal go mad or die in the attempt, mostly when they are unflexible. One who died was Joren of Stone Mountain.