Essay on The Medieval knight and Chivalry - 1383 Words

The Medieval Knight and Chivalry The Medieval knight followed a strict and detailed Code of Chivalry, which dictated his lifestyles and actions throughout the medieval ages. A man went through a lot to become a knight. The training took years and it was very tedious at times. â€Å"The obligations of knighthood were so heavy that sometimes squires refused knighthood and remained squires all their lives†(Buehr 33). After all the years of training, one day made it all worthwhile. The knighting ceremony was very involved, solemn and religious. The night before, the soon-to-be knight knelt on an altar praying to God and reflecting on his future knighthood. The next day, he was clothed all in white. He attended a mass where he made his vows. He†¦show more content†¦The fifth was courage: knights often had to choose the harder paths of life, the one that would cost them. Therefore, a knight was to be prepared to make personal sacrifices in order to serve those he was loyal to. Also, a knight was to seek wi sdom. Courage also involved unconditionally taking the side of truth, not seeking the convenient lie. They were to seek the truth whenever possible, having to remember to mix justice with mercy, if they did not, the pure truth may bring grief. â€Å"Knight-errantry involved many discomforts, but a true knight had been taught to face them with gaiety of heart†(Mills 160). The sixth basis of the code was faith: a knight was to have faith in his beliefs; faith entrenched him and gave him hope against the misery which failure created. The seventh was humility: a knight was to value others contributions, not boasting of their own accomplishments. They were to let others value their accomplishments for them. A knight told of other’s deeds before they told of their own, giving everyone the fame they had earned through these deeds. The eighth facet to knighthood was largesse: knights were expected to be as generous as they possibly could. This made sure that a knight was not gluttonous. Largesse also made the path of mercy easier to continue following when a difficult decision of justice came about. The ninth was nobility: a knight was to seek great statureShow MoreRelatedMedieval Chivalry Essay1668 Words   |  7 PagesEach different aspect of the code of chivalry held a separate role in society. Whether it be religious or barbaric, chivalry tended to hold a moral guideline among those who followed it. This moral guideline held them true to their duties to man, God, and women (Sex, Society, and Medieval Women). All of which are reflected in the three themes of Chivalry: Warrior chivalry, religious chivalry, and courtly love chivalry (Sex, Society, and Medieval Women). 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With time christian values were added to knighthood â€Å"involving respect for the church, protection of the poor and the weak, loyalty to one’s feudal or military superiors, and preservation of personal honour† (Knight 3). These became known as the knights orders they followed to achieve greatness. The first recognized group of knights evolved during the CrusadesRead MoreKnights Of The Middle Ages1531 Words   |  7 Pages Knights of The Middle Ages The broad-shouldered and muscular knight stood before his king, ready to take fealty. His sword glistened from being wiped clean of battle. The knight was well-known and honored throughout the kingdom. These males made different vows to protect their country. There were ceremonies for these oaths. They had special clothing for battle and everyday living. Part of this was do to the codes of chivalry. Chivalry has been around for centuries. Knights like those of the middle