Code of Chivalry

Definition

The Code of Chivalry was a set of ideals and principles that governed the behavior of knights in medieval Europe, emphasizing virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women. It shaped the social conduct of the nobility and created a framework for knightly behavior, influencing both warfare and interpersonal relationships during the medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code of Chivalry emerged during the 12th century and was heavily influenced by the feudal system and the growing importance of knighthood.
2. Chivalric values promoted not only martial prowess but also moral integrity, encouraging knights to protect the weak and uphold justice.
3. The Code also included guidelines regarding treatment of women, particularly noblewomen, emphasizing respect and courtly behavior.
4. Literature from this time, such as Arthurian legends, helped to popularize and reinforce the ideals of chivalry across Europe.
5. Over time, the rigid structure of the Code began to fade, leading to more relaxed interpretations of knightly conduct by the late medieval period.

Review Questions

• How did the Code of Chivalry influence the behavior and expectations of knights during the medieval period?
  • The Code of Chivalry set specific behavioral standards for knights that emphasized virtues like bravery, honor, and loyalty. It dictated not only how knights should conduct themselves in battle but also their interactions with others in society. This code created a cultural expectation that knights would act with integrity and valor, which significantly shaped social norms among the nobility.
• In what ways did the concepts of knighthood and feudalism interact with the ideals of the Code of Chivalry?
  • Knighthood was deeply intertwined with feudalism, as knights were often vassals to lords within this hierarchical system. The Code of Chivalry required knights to serve their lords faithfully while also providing protection for those weaker than themselves. This dual obligation reinforced the bond between lords and vassals while promoting social stability through expected behaviors that aligned with feudal duties.
• Evaluate how literature contributed to both the reinforcement and evolution of the Code of Chivalry throughout medieval society.
  • Literature played a crucial role in shaping and evolving the Code of Chivalry by providing narratives that glorified knightly virtues and courtly love. Works such as 'The Song of Roland' and Arthurian romances depicted chivalric ideals in action, inspiring real-life knights to emulate these values. As societal norms shifted towards more individualistic interpretations by the late medieval period, literature reflected these changes while still rooting itself in the foundational principles of chivalry.

Related terms

Feudalism:

A hierarchical system of land ownership and duties that structured society in medieval Europe, linking lords, vassals, and serfs.

Knighthood: The status of being a knight, often conferred through a ceremony, symbolizing loyalty to a lord and adherence to the chivalric code.

Courtly Love: A concept in medieval literature and culture that idealized romantic love between a knight and a noblewoman, often adhering to the tenets of chivalry.