Abstract The paper relates that for the first two centuries, chivalry continued to denote proficiency in the art of fighting on horseback and it was only later that this social role of the knights became a specific ideology and a code of honor. The paper then illustrates how the romance of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a symbol of the complex ideology that emerged during the Medieval Ages around the concept of knighthood. The paper also discusses how the crusades organized by Christendom against paganism relied on knights and on their extreme devotion and generosity. The paper therefore concludes that knighthood can be identified as an important part of the Middle Ages, with a complex ideology of its own but also with a determinate role in society.
From the Paper "Knighthood or chivalry has a very interesting and tumultuous history, which begins in feudalism and continues in the Medieval Age. In England, evidences of chivalry appear only after the Norman Conquest. In the beginning, the term "knighthood" was merely used to indicate the investment of arms of a young man after his training was over. For the first two centuries, chivalry continued to denote proficiency in the art of fighting on horseback. It is only later that this merely social role of the knights was rounded with a specific ideology, which soon become a code of honor. With the spread of Christendom, there appeared different orders of knights, each with their characteristic goals and ideals."
Abstract This paper offers an explanation of knights, defining them as professional soldiers and describing, in detail, their role, dress, history, and status. The paper shows the significance of horses in a knight's life, as well as explaining how the status of knight came about during the four chivalry periods of English history. The writer concludes that, while knighthood is no longer around, Renaissance festivals all over the world relive the pageantry of the feudal system and the knights who were part of it.
From the Paper "Horses were critical to a knight's service. In France he was a 'Chevalier', in Italy a 'Cavalier', in Spain a 'Caballero', and in Germany a 'Ritter', from the word meaning 'to ride'. Even the name for the code by which the knight was later bound. It is only in England that the etymology of a horse cannot be traced back to horse. It came from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Cniht', meaning household retainer or servant. It wasn"t until the 12th Century that knighthood and chivalry become inextricably associated with gentility. To this day, being a knight is synonymous with being chivalrous"once again from the French cheval."
Tags: anglo, saxon, english, british, horse, chivalry, lord, king
Abstract Sir Arthur Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" presents, in one volume, a cumulative and syncretic vision of knighthood. A knight has several roles, and his worth depends on how well he fulfills them. Malory's knights are primarily defined by martial success, although the knights of the Grail Quest have a separate set of standards to live up to because of the spiritual component of their quest. This paper describes the defining characteristics of a Malorian knight and addresses apparent inconsistencies in the text. The knights' characteristics are prowess in feats of arms, lack of caution, courtesy and devotion to the fellowship and, by extension, to the state. Relationships with women are usually conducted along the lines of courtly love. The ascendancy in Book VI of "pure" knights like Galahad does not indicate inconsistency on Malory's part, but rather a change in the Arthurian world, a need for a new kind of knight for a new kind of quest.
From the Paper "Many knights disobey some of the guidelines for knightly conduct, but the sympathetic ones usually have a reasonable excuse. Arthur orders young boys killed to avert the prophesy of his death but this is not strongly condemned. Tristram cannot ride to the aid of Lord Segwerdes' abducted wife until her husband has tried to free her or it will be too obvious that Tristram is having an affair with her. Lancelot shamefully rides in a cart because he is in a terrible rush to reach Guinevere. Tristram technically commits treason by cuckolding his king, but a chapter heading within the tale of Tristram de Lyones is entitled "Here Begynneth the Treson of Kinge Marke That He Ordayned Agayne Sir Trystram." Of all the knights, Sir Gareth is probably the one who lives most in accordance with the chivalric ideal."
Abstract To understand the complexity of Christian chivalry, this paper examines an example on the noble knight, Sir Gawain the central character of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". It discusses the medieval idea of Christian chivalry with a primary emphasis on Sir Gawain and argues how Sir Gawain is a good example of Christian chivalry.
From the Paper "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a prose poem about Christian chivalry written in the fourteenth century in England. During this time period knights lived their lives following the chivalric code that includes courage, honesty, courtesy, faithfulness, loyalty, faith in God and good manners. The fact is when a medieval man becomes a knight, he vows to follow these rules. The rules developed from the values of the Christian religion and perfection of moral principles. Charles Moorman defines the knights as the "leaders not through class status or wealth or even birth, but through the excellencies of the heart and mind and hands" (26). "
Abstract This paper discusses the 1984 text by Georges Duby entitled, "William Marshal: The Flower of Chivalry." In so doing, the paper reviews two significant themes which emerge time and again in the text: the concept of chivalry (as it pertains to the notions of fealty, honor and loyalty) and the theme of how women (and children) are treated as subordinates.
From the Paper "As well, the honor of William Marshal manifests itself in how braves extraordinary dangers in combat to prove his righteousness as a knight while still a young man. When accused of infidelity to his king and of adulterous conduct, "He says he is ready to confront the three most valorous champions that can be found, one after the next. If he fails to vanquish all three, he is more than willing that the suspicious husband put him to death by hanging" (Duby, 52). His fealty to his lord is complete (at least in his eyes) and he will not tolerate aspersions cast upon his honor and character. Ultimately, a reified society wherein duty is demanded and obligations honored is preserved and this reification would remain a substantial part of western culture, informing its martial and aristocratic values, for generations to come."
Abstract The author presents a detailed dictionary meaning of ?Chivalry.? The paper then asks how does one preserve, in a modern moral context, what is good about chivalry, without rendering it either sexist or feudal in the estimation of contemporary viewers and readers? The author answers her question by reviewing in detail the novel, "The Crystal Cave" by Mary Stewart and the film "First Knight". Both modern works are set during Arthurian times and attempt to reinterpret chivalric values for a modern audience.
From the Paper "The notion of "chivalry" thus has both concrete aspects to its definition, including denoting the medieval system of knighthood, as well as more abstract moral connotations. The latter aspect of "chivalry" has come under attack in recent years for both its antiquated notions of class and attitudes towards women. How does one preserve, in a modern moral context, what is good about chivalry, without rendering it either sexist or feudal in the estimation of contemporary viewers and readers? The novel, The Crystal Cave, and the film First Knight, attempt to answer this question. "
Abstract This paper examines how the systems of feudalism and chivalry were used by kings and lords in medieval Europe to maintain order and security in an uncertain time and how, centered on the relationship between knights and lords, these systems stressed loyalty, honor, and bravery in a way that elevated the knight above the rest of society. In particular, it looks at how the poems, "Beowulf" and "Song of Roland", glorify chivalry and feudalism by emphasizing the virtues valued by both systems and providing examples of honorable behavior for the Christian warrior to emulate.
From the Paper "The idea that great warriors are also great men is nothing unique to medieval Europe, since in most cultures warriors are respected and looked up to by the rest of society. However, the difference with the warriors of time was in how the chivalrous knight comported himself in battle. An example of this difference can be seen by contrasting Beowulf and Song of Roland with Homer's Iliad. In the Iliad, Hektar and Achilleus fight without honor by using deceit and trickery to defeat one another. Furthermore, the two fighters have no respect or decency for each other and are only concerned in victory, regardless of how it is achieved. The savagery with which they fight is shown by Achilleus who tells Hektar, ?On you the dogs and the vultures shall feed and foully rip you.? "
Abstract Acclaimed writer and historian, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, author of the popular trilogy book series, "The Lord of the Rings", is an advocate of the great traditions of chivalry and Christianity. This paper discusses the dynamic elements used in "Lord of the Rings" to illustrate the prevalence of the tradition of chivalry and Christianity as reflected in the behavior, thinking, and actions of its main characters. The analysis is an interpretation of "Lord of the Rings" three-part movie and book series. It focuses on the themes of good versus evil, with sub-themes involving the dominance of women, pervasiveness of evil in the midst of human weakness, and, most importantly, the element of hope and faith in people and one's self in the face of adversity and suffering.
From the Paper "LOTR 3 is perhaps, among the three-story installments of Tolkien's Middle Earth tale, the only story that blatantly illustrates the reign and prevalence of Chivalry and Christianity as important values held important by its main characters. Chivalry is personified in every man involved in the battle, with the exception of Eowyn, who chooses to fight for her people. Centering the story's focus on Eowyn reiterates the fact that in Middle Earth, male dominance is prevalent, and her deviance illustrates the bravery of women despite their portrayal as domestic housekeepers and nurturers of their children."
Abstract In this paper, the writer studies 'Modern Chivalry' by Hugh Henry Brackenridge notes that the work, published in the 1790s, is over four volumes and features a satirical picture of American life. The writer explains that 'Modern Chivalry' is a commentary on American society, which through satire, demonstrates the positives and negatives of colonial America and what should be done to fix some of the ills. The writer further explains that the book is therefore a reflection of the values of America. The writer concludes that the work illustrates the danger of American society even though Brackenridge may claim to have written a book for purely entertainment value.
From the Paper "Drawing on many truths, this work of satire became very popular particularly in the west which it satirizes. The story is dominated by a hero, a new Don Quixote, and his servant Teague who is like a Sancho Panzo. It is first and foremost a parody of the frontier, but speaks on much more the political landscape of early colonial America. Modern Chivalry can be seen as a work to show insight into America's system of representation. It is ultimately, a satire on numerous aspects of young America and thus reflects on the forces which from which it emerged, a society still in the youthful stages of a new form of government."
"Modern Chivalry's primary theme is one which was of great consequence to a young America as whole. In Colonial America, there was a question as to the common man could be an effective democratic citizen in a young and unique republic. According to Lukasik, it is this face of the republic that Brackenridge depicts meaning this piece of literature is in fact a product of the political forces of America."
Abstract Within John Webster's works, "The Duchess of Malfi" and "The White Devil", there are many messages about the results and realities of chivalry. Within these two works there is constant interplay between courtly reward and courtly desertion, with issues of class extremely volatile subjects. This paper shows, using Webster's works as examples, that the issue of courtly love in Renaissance drama is one utterly surrounded by high emotion, intrigue, and secrecy.
From the Paper "Those men and women who overstep the boundaries of convention and disturb the honor code are friendless. There are many ways to overstep the role of the honorable, not the least of which is through flagrant acts of outranking love. The prince and the courtier, as well as the women who are often the objects of unquenchable desire are charged with the role of social police."
Abstract This paper examines the social constructs of comitatus and chivalry as seen in "Beowulf" and "Morte D'Arthur," respectively. What these constructs are and the fate of those who fail to live up to them are examined in this essay.
From the Paper "Throughout history, there have been different codes of ethics that are often more important to a society that the governing laws of the land. While laws are written standards that people are compelled to abide by for fear of punishment, these codes serve as guideline for how people should live their lives. Two such codes are comitatus as demonstrated in Beowulf and chivalry as depicted in Morte D'Arthur. When the characters in these stories live by the constructs of these social systems, the society flourishes. When characters stray from each social code, however, the entire society falls victim."
Tags: arthur, beowulf, chivalry, codes, comitatus, king, morte, social
Abstract The paper identifies the common idea of chivalry and heroism in all three stories of "Beowulf," "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "Oroonoko". The paper shows how, whether the man of honor is officially a hero, or just one to his people, it is ultimately the actions he performs that raise him to a heroic status.
From the Paper "In the history of British Literature the topic of heroes is quite prevalent. Throughout time many readers have seen different types of epics which show the basic traits and values of what exactly make up a hero. The most common idea revolves around the topics of chivalry and heroic deeds, which combined together give them this heroic title. Although many of these stories usually consist of the main character being a knight, we have also seen some that are not officially classic heroes, but seen instead as one in the eyes of their people."
Abstract A paper which shows how reality and illusion are interwoven not only throughout the story line of Don Quixote exploits, but how author, Miguel de Cervantes, even leaves the true authorship of this tale in question, suggesting that he is merely translating the story from the original writings of Cide Hamete. The paper discusses the madness of Don Quixote who sees people and objects in his everyday life as the counterparts in his knights and damsels world of chivalry, and how Don Quixote charging the windmills has become a classic scene and now serves to symbolize bravery in vain..
From the Paper "Cervantes begins Part Two of Don Quixote again referring to the writings of Cide Hamete, thus, lending credence to both, Don Quixote and Hamete as real historic characters (Cervantes, 529). This further adds confusion between reality and fantasy. Throughout the novel there are countless scenes crossing the line of reality and illusion. The deathbed scene is perhaps the most poignant, for at the end, even though he himself had given up his chivalrous life and rejoined society, the others around him were still holding on to his fantastic world of knights and damsels in distress. But Don Quixote speaks, "I am no longer Don Quixote of La Mancha, but Alonso Quixana""
Tags: Alonso, Quixano, knighthood, Sancho, Cide, Hame, Miguel, de, Cervantes
Abstract This paper discusses the various sources on which Sir Thomas Mallory drew to create the version of the legend of King Arthur that is known today. The writer provides an overview of the historical background for the Arthurian legend and the evidence that exists for a historical Arthur. The writer explains the medieval traditions of courtly love and of chivalry that Mallory incorporated into his book and his legacy of the knightly ideal that was detailed by Chaucer in his "Canterbury Tales," and in the fourteenth-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
From the Paper "The account that did the most to establish Arthur as a prominent historical figure was The History of the Kings of Britain written in 1135 by Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Welsh monk, and the book provides a history of the earliest kings of Britain, some 99 in all, including King Coel, known to us today from the nursery rhyme as Old King Cole. About one-fifth of the book is devoted to Arthur, and Geoffrey provides the first organized version of the story. Many of the elements that would be part of the later tradition were missing, however. Arthur's court is not at Camelot but at a place called Caerlon-on-Usk, or City of Legions. Geoffrey contributed at least three new elements to the existing histories of Arthur--he supplied Arthur with a family tree, told of Arthur's association with Merlin, and described his burial at Avalon."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that just as people use the bible and tales from Greek mythology as guides for moral behavior, Arthurian codes of chivalry can also be used as such a source. This paper lists the 10 basic rules of chivalry and compares them to the 10 commandments. This paper defines chivalry as a set of ideals and duties that changed throughout the middle ages to meet new socio-economic realities. Chivalric virtues were a clear distillation of what it meant to be a fine human being as well as a person in search of justice and humility.
Topics covered in this report include:
Chivalry The Code of Chivalry Bibliography
From the Paper "To be honorable means to treat other people fairly and to keep our word when we promise something. It also means that we are willing to admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness. We don't attempt to cover up mistakes and hope no one notices. First, we tell the other person without mincing words that we have screwed up and that we will do what we can to correct the matter. Then we ask for forgiveness without expecting it. Finally, we take whatever comes. To be courageous is easy when no one else is involved. It is when we have to deal with other people that we sometimes get terrified and run. But to have courage (to be brave) does not mean that we don't have fear."
