The Nonexistent Knight

by Italo Calvino

The Nonexistent Knight (Italian: Il cavaliere inesistente) is an allegorical fantasy novella by Italo Calvino, first published in Italian 1959 and in English translation in 1962.
The tale explores questions of identity, integration with society, and virtue through the adventures of Agilulf, a medieval knight who exemplifies chivalry, piety, and faithfulness but exists only as an empty suit of armour.