LEGO Black Knights
1987
The LEGO Black Knights was a popular, discontinued theme that was the primary LEGO Castle line from 1992 to 1994. It centered on a war between two main factions: the Black Knights (also known as the Black Dragons) and the benevolent Lion Knights (the Crusaders).
Theme Overview and Storyline
The Black Knights theme was known for introducing new castle elements and a more detailed aesthetic than previous themes. It depicted an ongoing struggle between the two main factions for control of the kingdom.
Factions: The "Black Knights" were the antagonists in this story, identifiable by their black, yellow, and red color scheme and a prominent dragon/wyvern crest. The Lion Knights were the traditional "good guys" in red and yellow.
Characters: The theme included a king figure for the Black Knights, several knights, and soldiers, contrasting with the forces of the Lion Knights.
Design: The sets introduced new, unique helmet designs with detailed crests, a new dragon mold, and highly detailed flag and shield pieces.
Notable Discontinued Sets These sets are now highly sought-after collector's items and are only available on the secondary market from re-sellers.
Black Knight's Castle (6086): The flagship set and primary fortress for the Black Knights, it featured a functional drawbridge, a dungeon, and several minifigures, including the king and a black dragon figure.
Black Dragon's Dungeon (6085): A highly popular set featuring a large, multi-story castle section and a detailed dungeon area with a ghost figure.
Black Knights' Guard Shack (6021): A small, affordable set featuring a simple guard post and two minifigures.
Dark Dragon (6043): A set released later in the theme's run that included a black knight on a brick-built black dragon.
Legacy and Related Themes
The Black Knights theme was part of the "Factions Era" of LEGO Castle and is remembered fondly by fans for its iconic color scheme and detailed designs.
Lion Knights/Crusaders (1984-1992): The primary rival faction in this storyline.
Dragon Masters (1993-1995): The theme that immediately followed, focusing on Majisto the wizard and his forces who used dragons to their advantage.
Modern Homage: The 2022 adult collector's set, the Lion Knights' Castle (10305), while primarily a homage to the Lion Knights, includes design elements and minifigure homages to the Fright Knights and other classic themes, demonstrating the enduring popularity of all the classic castle factions.
