Chivalry

= = ==Chivalry == **Chivalry:** 1. the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp courage, honor, justice and a readiness to help the weak 2. courteous behavior, esp towards women 3. the medieval system and principles of knighthood 4. knights, noblemen, etc, collectively

That is how the dictionary defines chivalry. It is seen as an ancient and medieval code that was followed only by knights. the writings of many authors from this time period seem to further that idea, however they do not. Chivalry was a moral code that no one had to follow, but they could. Knights were generally supposed to strive to follow these codes to the best of their abilities. Different codes appear in different literature, and they have different implications as well as different value placed on them. Chivalry also covered the courting of women, and "courtly love". What modern society uses the word chivalry to talk about is really courtesy. So, when people say things like chivalry is dead, they mean people are not courteous anymore. The code of chivalry varied depending on the king or lord, however most of the lists included, honor, and valor. All of the codes have similar themes to them, like justice, or honesty, however they also have unique qualities. The knights had their own codes of chivalry. These codes are documented in such stories and writings as The Song of Roland, King Arthur Myths and the words of the Duke of Burgandy. The song of Roland depicts Emperor Charlemagne's code of chivalry. This code focuses on religion, battle and honesty, however it covers most moral ground. One of the items on the list is "to give help to widows or orphans". This is not something that a normal person would necessarily do, but it is something the ideal citizen should do. In the King Arthur myths, Arthur and the knights of the round table followed a very specific code. The words they used to describe this code were Honor, Honesty, Valor, and Loyalty. The knights of the round table were forced to take many different vows to ensure that they were the quintessential good citizens. Each Knight takes an oath to promote Knightly conduct (including chivalry), and protect the kingdom. The oath is taken to make Camelot and the kingdom a better place for everyone, and Arthur in many versions not only believes his knights should follow this, but represents these things himself. However some knights do not follow this code of conduct and this causes the fall of Camelot. Other codes of chivalry barely differ from this, as these are the core of most codes The Duke of Burgandy's code consists of: Faith, Charity, Justice, Sagacity, Prudence, Temperance, Resolution, Truth, Liberality, Diligence, Hope, Valor. The code I am going to be exploring in greater depth is King Arthur's code of chivalry. I am exploring this specifically because this code was very important to the survival of Camelot. This like all codes and vows that the knights of the round table had to follow was in place for a reason. These were virtues that the knights should strive to have, and when they were not followed, Camelot broke down. The Fall of Camelot and the death of Arthur happened because the code of chivalry was broken by the knights of the round table.

__Honor__
There are a few different definitions for honor. However, there is one definition that was most likely applied to the code. Honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's belief's and actions. This would be important for many reasons, especially in Arthur's kingdom. In __Gawain and the Green Knight__, Arthur is a present character who represents the very ideas of his code. Within this story Arthur shows that he will put his life on the line to defend his honor and the honor of his court, when he challenges the Green Knight. In __King Arthur's Death__ when Mordred betrayed the honor of the round table, Arthur died and Camelot fell. Mordred is also not honorable in battle, he uses tricks to sneak up on his opponents and take advantage of them.

__Honesty__
Honesty is truthfulness, sincerity or frankness. This is an important quality for any society. If members of the community are generally dishonest then it is most likely a dangerous place. If Arthur's knights had been dishonest then the kingdom would have been in trouble since the knights were the protectors of the realm. Arthur is honest and fair in most versions of the story. Arthur is even honest with himself when he forgives Guinevere, he knows he is more upset with Lancelot. In __First Knight__ when Arthur gives control of Camelot to Lancelot, he is being honest with himself and the kingdom because he knows that giving control to Lancelot is the best decision. In __Le Morte de Arthur__, Arthur learns of the affair and hastily chases after Lancelot, giving Mordred the chance to take over the kingdom.

__Valor__
Valor, is one of the most common themes within the different codes of chivalry. This shows that valor is a very important quality for knights (in the eyes of those making the code). The definition of valor is: boldness or determination when facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery. The reason that this would be important for knights makes complete sense. They would have to fight for their king or lord and protect them in battle. It also makes sense why it is in the code of chivalry. A knight who has no valor, is not going to be helpful in battle. By putting it in the code, the lords and kings are letting the knights know what is expected of them. Gawain has a lot of valor and is the first in the fight for his king. It is his valor and his fearlessness that gets him killed in some versions of the story when he rushes into battle with Mordred and his knights despite being outnumbered. Mordred did not have any valor, he only attacked when he outnumbered his opponents, or could sneak up on them.

__Loyalty__
One definition of loyalty is faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc. The round table depended on the knights of the round table being loyal to the ideals of the round table, each other, and Arthur their king. During the fall of Camelot, loyalty is lost. Lancelot, first broke down by choosing to lay with Guinevere and broke the trust between him and Arthur. Arthur was more upset with Lancelot than Guinevere for this betrayal of loyalty, and Arthur was loyal to the cause of the round table and the protection of the land. Lancelot and Guinevere forced Arthur to choose between loyalty to love, or loyalty to justice. Mordred was the next to break his loyalty when he took the power that Arthur gave to him and abused it. Mordred took advantage of Arthur's weaknesses, and the opportunities presented to him. Arthur would not have died if Lancelot had not broken the code of chivalry and betrayed his loyalty.

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__Sources:__
http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/knights-code-of-chivalry.htm http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projs2a/art001.html http://dictionary.reference.com/ http://www.explosm.net/comics/2136/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yVdY_mxg-w&feature=player_embedded http://www.castles.me.uk/medieval-code-chivalry.htm