Chivalry 12

Is King Arthur Real? If he was, he would have lived somewhere between A.D. Would have been a Celtic chieftain against the invading Saxons. If he was, he would have lived somewhere between A.D. Would have been a Celtic chieftain against the invading Saxons.

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” 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 part romance written by monks Geoffrey of Monmouth - “History of the Kings of Britain” in 1139 Vulgate Cycle part romance written by monks

In the Literature… Sir Thomas Malory Alfred, Lord Tennyson T.H. White Sir Thomas Malory Alfred, Lord Tennyson T.H. White

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

Chivalry Trait: PROWESS: “Warrior virtues”: great strength, hardiness, honor, and skill in using arms, as well as courage and determination 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. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.

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.