Ill-Made Knights

I’m reading Inkheart by Cornelia Funke and I’ve come across a reference to a story that I hope someone can help me identify. The passage is:

“Interesting choice!” Elinor had commented when she lent Meggie a bag for the books, an old-fashioned one made of dark leather that you could sling over your shoulder. “These stories about the ill-made knight and people with hairy feet going on a long journey to dark places. Have you read them both?”

I am sure that “people with hairy feet” refers to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. I can’t think of a story that might be about an “ill-made knight.” Any ideas?