1. Honors World Studies Mrs. Steinke
The Crusades
Honors World Studies
Mrs. Steinke

2. The medieval chivalric code of knightly behavior evolved slowly out of the feudal system; the result of German and Roman cultures.
Chivalry and the Quest

3. As Germanic tribes settled throughout western Europe, they adopted the popular and well established legal Roman system of land holding.
Chivalry and the Quest

4. Those nobles who bore arms and led warriors extended their protection to landowners who were not able to afford to defend themselves with the needed force.
Chivalry and the Quest

5. In exchange the nobles actually held the title to the land of those they protected. Thus, the warrior caste came to hold the power and wealth in medieval Europe.
Chivalry and the Quest

6. Having noticed that the Arab superiority in battle was linked to their domination of their armies by cavalry, horsemen became essential to warfare.
Chivalry and the Quest

7. This is where knights come in
This is where knights come in. The rulers needed to grant land to their followers, or vassals, so they could raise the horses and maintain the mounted troops. They also required military service from them as part of the arrangement.
Chivalry and the Quest

8. The lord had a group of loyal knights ready to serve him in battle at a moment’s notice.
Chivalry and the Quest

9. The knights had to be physically strong to handle the demands of their duties. They also needed to be experienced horsemen as well as trained in the use and repair of weapons.
Chivalry and the Quest

10. As the political and military landscape changed, the potential adversary was usually not a foreigner but a more familiar face to be treated with the respect and consideration of a comrade.
Chivalry and the Quest

11. Moral qualities took on more meaning for the knights
Moral qualities took on more meaning for the knights. Absolute loyalty to the lord was crucial. A courage that went beyond the merely physical has to accompany prowess.
Chivalry and the Quest

12. But equally as important as these qualities, was the code of chivalry
But equally as important as these qualities, was the code of chivalry. A knight's loyalty to his lord was crucial, as was the obligation to defend those weaker than themselves, especially women. Above all, he could not attack those of a lower social class.
Chivalry and the Quest

13. Rather than seeking materail fortune, the good knight had to love honor for honr’s sake. For the glory of his good name, he was to seek out adventures in which he righted wrongs, destroyed evil
Chivalry and the Quest

14. Rather than seeking material fortune, the good knight had to love honor for honor's sake. For the glory of his good name, he was to seek out adventures in which he righted wrongs, destroyed evil monsters or men, or defended the helpless without the hope of recompense. He had to make good on his word. If he ever promised something would be done, it had to be accomplished no matter what travail needed to be overcome in the process.
Chivalry and the Quest

15. In addition, the dutiful knight also had to be unfailingly polite and courteous, even in the face of rude behavior. And he could take on only a fair or just fight.
Chivalry and the Quest

16. Every worth knight had to undertake a difficult quest
Every worth knight had to undertake a difficult quest. The medieval quest was the pursuit, through a series of adventures, or trials, of something or someone of importance.
Chivalry and the Quest

17. Whatever was sought had a significant or spiritual significance
Whatever was sought had a significant or spiritual significance. Through the quest the knight matured and so became even more worthy in the eyes of the ruler and his court.
Chivalry and the Quest

18. Invariably, the quest is taken on by a young, immature knight who is confident of his power and unaware of his own limitations.
Chivalry and the Quest

19. At some point he faces an insurmountable problem
At some point he faces an insurmountable problem. He must admit a defeat of sorts and confess his own weakness. Then he may call for help from others. Thus, the brave knight learns that courage and force are not the only elements of a great man.
Chivalry and the Quest

20. He learns to participate in society, and that his importance rests in his ties to others. Only then is he granted exceptional enlightenment; he is allowed to see or understand beyond what ordinary people know.
Chivalry and the Quest

21. With this special knowledge, he is equipped to lead his society and to help others. Therefore, the quest is a symbol of the maturation process, with its trials and triumphs.
Chivalry and the Quest

22. Almost every medieval romance is based on this pattern
Almost every medieval romance is based on this pattern. Unlike the epic hero, who stands almost alone in his glory, the medieval hero must recognize his place as a small part of the larger whole that is society.
Chivalry and the Quest

23. Relationships, are crucial to him
Relationships, are crucial to him. Love, the building block of any relationship, becomes central. The medieval hero’s quest almost always involves a loved one. Percival’s love is for God.
Chivalry and the Quest

24. The love relationship that is at the core of every romance enables the hero to take a fuller part in the world around him. This relationship is what distinguishes the hero of the romance form the epic hero.
Chivalry and the Quest

25. In what ways do you think Percival will grow as a result of this adventure?
Chivalry and the Quest

26. What do you think the story of Perceval suggests about the pros and cons of innocence?
Chivalry and the Quest