Chivalry

Definition

Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social codes of conduct, emphasizing values like bravery, honor, and respect for women. It shaped not only the behavior of knights but also influenced the themes and narratives found in troubadour and trouvère music, which celebrated courtly love and noble ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalry originated in the 12th century as a code of conduct for knights and was closely associated with the ideals of knighthood and the protection of the weak.
2. The principles of chivalry not only called for military prowess but also for courteous behavior towards women, which became a common theme in troubadour music.
3. Chivalric ideals were often reflected in the songs of troubadours and trouvères, showcasing the romanticized vision of love and valor.
4. Many significant works from troubadours depicted tales of heroic deeds inspired by chivalric values, often integrating personal emotions with grand narratives.
5. As society evolved, the meaning and practice of chivalry changed, leading to its decline by the late Middle Ages as new social structures emerged.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of chivalry influence the themes present in troubadour and trouvère music?
  • The principles of chivalry significantly influenced troubadour and trouvère music by introducing themes centered around honor, bravery, and courtly love. Troubadours often wrote about noble knights who were willing to undertake great quests for their ladies, reflecting the chivalric ideal of devotion. This connection between chivalry and music helped to establish a cultural narrative that celebrated both the valor of knights and the beauty of romantic relationships.
• Discuss how chivalry served as a social construct within the feudal system and how this is represented in troubadour poetry.
  • Chivalry functioned as a crucial social construct within the feudal system by defining the roles and responsibilities of knights in relation to their lords and ladies. In troubadour poetry, this relationship is often mirrored in stories where knights exhibit loyalty to their ladies while navigating their obligations to their lords. This duality showcases not only the expectations placed upon knights but also how these expectations influenced the romantic narratives celebrated in their music.
• Evaluate the impact of changing societal norms on the evolution of chivalry and its representation in musical forms during the late medieval period.
  • As societal norms began to shift during the late medieval period, the concept of chivalry underwent significant transformation. The rise of more centralized forms of governance diminished the traditional feudal obligations that defined knightly behavior. Consequently, troubadour and trouvère music started reflecting these changes by incorporating more personal themes rather than purely heroic ones. This shift allowed for a broader interpretation of love and honor that resonated with evolving social values, demonstrating how art adapts to reflect contemporary societal structures.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry, often involving a knight's devotion to a lady.

Minstrels:

Traveling musicians and entertainers in medieval Europe who performed songs and poetry, often related to chivalric themes.

Feudalism:

A social system that structured society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labor, heavily influencing the roles of knights within the chivalric code.