Chivalry Essay

of the Medieval knight. As being two essential elements of the Medieval period, it is seen that

The armor was heavy because it was made from a lot of metal. Underclothes made of linen had to be worn to prevent chafing from the metal armour. Moving in their armour was very limited and difficult. because of the large protection of the helmet it limited vision and breathing ability.There were many different components to the armour so it was hard to put on and assemble quickly.

In the Medieval Period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. In Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, a number of characters performed chivalrous acts to achieve the status of an ideal knight. Their characteristics of respect for women and courtesy for all, helpfulness to the weak, honor, and skill in battle made the characters King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette examples of a what knights strove to be like in Medieval society. Because of the examples ofchivalry, Le Morte d’Arthur showed what a knight desired to be, so he could improve theworld in which he lived.

A knight’s characteristics are usually described by using power and authority but, in actuality, the knight is just a servant to a higher authority. An

Countless Arthurian tales portray knights as true altruists, meaning that they are more concerned for the

The first thing we are covering is Training and Armor. They were very different in many ways. The Knights

“For ever, said Arthur, it is a worshipful knight’s deed to help another worshipful knight when he seeth him in a great danger; for ever a worshipful man will be loath to see a worshipful man shamed; and he that is of no worship, and fareth

By analyzing Sir Gawain’s attempts of following the Code of Chivalry and the fundamental thoughts and actions of human nature helps to further analyze Gawain’s character. The definition of Chivalry is the “set of values and code of conduct for the medieval knightly class” (Shatz) examining Gawain’s attempts to achieve his goal of being the perfect chivalric knight, the nature of his obstacles has to be determined, and the development of his character has to be analyze. In trying to live up to perfection, Gawain discovers that he is not perfect just like society today.

While gender is one of many potential topics, it is also the one that can most easily be connected back to the older ideals of chivalry, as King Arthur’s knights were known to be courteous, polite, and respectful to women. They were taught to drop everything in order to assist those who were in need, regardless of who that person may be. Knights were merciful and kind to even their enemies, and this sense of

Knights, were from the medieval era. At age twelve or thirteen a boy born in to nobility would become a squire. They became assistants to knights, they would look after the knight's armor and weapons. They would be able to follow the knight in to battle and learn the use of the weapons. When the knights were in tournaments, the squire was the only person allowed to help him. Once the squire was old and skilled enough, he would become a knight himself.

The value of nobility in the middle ages can hardly be questioned. The majority of nobles lived a life of luxury, having riches beyond the wildest dreams of commoners. When one thinks of medieval knights, nobility is often comes to mind, but did knights have to be members of the noble class? Sir Thomas Malory’s “The Tale of Sir Gareth” examines this question and presents an interesting view as to the true value of a knight. Malory uses the actions of important characters to reveal his opinion that the nobility of a knight was secondary to his integrity, courage, and benevolence.

To what extent was William Marshall’s life as a knight different from other knights of the time? Invariably it was not that much different than those of his peers until his later life. The one thing that set him apart from other knights was his fierce dedication to loyalty.

Ideas that have been taught in many societies since the first civilizations of Mesopotamia to the world now are duty, loyalty and bravery. No period relied on these ideas more than the Middle Ages time of Europe. The European societies were based on the nature of feudalism. Feudalism worked if everyone in the society did their duty and gave loyalty to everyone above the on the social latter. The knight was the backbone of the feudal society. He was the protector of the heavenly Lord, their lady and the earthly lord. The roles and duties of the knight are quotes as, “the most noble knight under Christ, And the loveliest lades that lived on earth ever, and he the comeliest king, that the court holds.” (P. 26) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight gives a perspective to view life from the courtly aspect of the European feudal

“I’ve got more than enough money for my daughter. What I need is honour. I intend to make her a marquise” (226).

At his first encounter with a maiden, he greets her and seeks to please her, albeit clumsily. When the maiden at King Arthur’s court is struck by Kay, Perceval pledges that “she will be well avenged” before he dies (Lawall 1340). When the maiden Belrepeire comes to him at night, pleading for protection, Perceval comforts her and promises to “restore peace to all [her] land” (Lawall 1348). Perceval sees the maiden’s request as “an opportunity for [him] to win fame” (Lawall 1347). His love for inspires her to do bold, daring deeds. He therefore boldly defends the castle against the besiegers, winning the love and heart of the maiden. Perceval is kind to every maiden he meets. When he encounters a maiden weeping over a dead knight, he inquires after the matter. When he meets the maiden whose lover has forced her into penance, he seeks to comfort her.