Chivalry

At first, in the eleventh and early twelfth centuries, chivalry stood for knighthood. However, by the early twelfth century, chivalry started to stand for the philosophy, manners, and values that knights should possess. These characteristics came from feudal obligations, commands of the princely court, and the instruction by the Christian Clergy. From 1235-1315, it was said that “The right reason to become a knight is to do right; the wrong reason is for advantage and rank.” A knight had to be: 1. Fit 2. Of a good family 3. Sufficient wealth 4. Wise 5. Generous 7. Loyal 8. Brave 8. Honorable. His ethical duties include 1. To follow the Christian faith 2. To protect his lord 3. “To protect the weak (women, children)” 4. To exercise continuously by hunting and jousting 5. To judge and supervise people’s work 6. To chase robbers and other evil people. A knight had to abstain from 1) pride 2) lechery 3) false oaths 4) and most of all, treachery (i.e. deceiving his lord, sleeping with his wife, and ceding the castle.