Code of Chivalry As described in The Song of Roland, a 12th century ballad about one of Charlemagne’s knights
What is Chivalry? Comes from the French word, "chevalerie", which means "skills to handle a horse“ (Being able to ride a horse was incredibly important for a knight during the Middle Ages, as that was a knight’s primary mode of transportation) The identity of the knight as a Christian warrior blossomed in the Middle Ages due in large part to the Crusades Christian expectations became interwoven with knightly obligations Examples include protecting women, the poor, and children Courtly love became intricately linked to the concept of chivalry, even though very little of the Code has to do with interacting with women
1. Fear God and Maintain His Church
2. Serve the Liege Lord in Valor and Faith
3. Protect the weak and defenseless
4. Give succor to widows and orphans
5. Refrain from the wanton giving of offense
6. Live by honor and for glory
7. Despise pecuniary award
8. Fight for the welfare of all
9. Obey those placed in authority
10. Guard the honor of fellow knights
11. Eschew meanness, unfairness, & Deceit
12. Keep the Faith
13. Speak the truth at all times
14. Persevere to the end any enterprise begun
15. Respect the honor of women
16. Never refuse a challenge from an equal
17. Never turn your back on a foe
4 Virtues of the Knights of the Round Table When we read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, be sure to look for examples of these 4 virtues that were particularly espoused by King Arthur and his knights: * Honesty * Honor * Valor * Loyalty