Chivalry 12 10-6-09

Is King Arthur Real? If he was, he would have lived somewhere between 400-600 A.D. Would have been a Celtic chieftain against the invading Saxons. The Battle of Mons Badonicus or Mount Badon is believed to have really occurred some time around 516-518 A.D., and Arthur is associated with that battle.

In the Literature… Earliest mention of Arthur - Welsh poem in 600’s called Y Goddodin Chretien de Troyes - French poet wrote 5 poems with Arthurian characters - 1st to “romanticize”

In the Literature… Geoffrey of Monmouth - “History of the Kings of Britain” in 1139 Vulgate Cycle 1215-1235 - 5 part romance written by monks

In the Literature… Sir Thomas Malory - 1469 Alfred, Lord Tennyson - 1809-1892 T.H. White 1906-1964

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Unknown writer: “The Pearl Poet” Features Sir Gawain Arthur’s Best Knight (before Lancelot) One of my favorite Arthurian romances is the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. We don’t know for sure who the author was, but he is known by scholars as the Pearl Poet. He wrote using alliteration. Sir Gawain is the main character. It’s Christmas Day at Arthur’s court, and this really strange green knight -- like totally green, not just wearing green -- shows up and challenges the knights to cut off his head with an axe, and then the challenger will take the same blow in a year and day. They all figure they’ve never seen a guy walk around after his head’s been removed, so they accept the challenge, or rather, Gawain does. He cuts off the knight’s head, and they play this sick game where they stick it in a bag and kick it around like a soccer ball. Then the knight comes over, picks up his head, walks off, and says he’ll see Gawain in a year and a day, after which everyone kind of freaks out. The rest of the story is all about Gawain’s quest to fulfill his agreement, and it’s just a great story. In the end, Gawain learns the Green Knight’s name is Sir Bertilak, and also that that evil sister of Arthur’s, Morgan le Fay, arranged the whole thing.

What is Chivalry? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: 1 : mounted men-at-arms 2 archaic a : martial valor b : knightly skill 3 : gallant or distinguished gentlemen 4 : the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood 5 : the qualities of the ideal knight : chivalrous conduct

What is it really? A set of ideals and duties for knights that has continued to change in meaning since the middle ages. Boils down to: A choice to do the right thing.

If you think about it… People throughout history have always searched for ways to define and quantify admirable behavior. Can you think of any examples?

Chivalry Trait: Faith/Piety: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.

Chivalry Trait: PROWESS: “Warrior virtues”: great strength, hardiness, honor, and skill in using arms, as well as courage and determination

Chivalry Traits: Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interests.

Chivalry Trait: Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Chivalry Trait: Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.

Chivalry Trait: Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value.

Chivalry Trait: Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds.