Chivalry

Definition

Chivalry refers to the code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing values such as bravery, honor, loyalty, and respect for women. This idealized code became a cultural cornerstone in medieval literature, influencing narratives of heroism and courtly love, and shaping social interactions and expectations among nobility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalry originated in the 11th century and became formalized through literature, impacting social customs and knightly behavior in the Middle Ages.
2. The chivalric code includes virtues such as loyalty to one's lord, protection of the weak, and courtly behavior towards women.
3. Chivalry is often reflected in Arthurian legends where knights like King Arthur and Sir Lancelot exemplify these ideals through their quests and romantic pursuits.
4. In troubadour poetry, chivalry is celebrated through songs that praise noble knights' deeds and their devotion to their lady loves, intertwining love with valor.
5. The concept of chivalry began to decline in the late medieval period as social structures evolved, but its influence can still be seen in modern ideas of gentlemanly behavior.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of chivalry shape the characters and actions found in Arthurian legends?
  • In Arthurian legends, chivalry profoundly shapes the characters' identities and their quests. Knights like Lancelot embody the chivalric virtues of bravery, loyalty, and respect for women through their noble deeds and romantic pursuits. Their adherence to the chivalric code often leads them to undertake dangerous quests to protect their honor and that of their king and lady. This creates a narrative framework where personal honor is intertwined with societal expectations.
• Discuss how troubadour poetry reflects the ideals of chivalry and its influence on societal norms during the medieval period.
  • Troubadour poetry serves as a key reflection of chivalric ideals by glorifying knights' romantic endeavors and their acts of valor. These poems not only depict love as an elevated pursuit but also reinforce societal norms that expect knights to demonstrate gallantry towards women. The interplay between love and heroism in these works solidified chivalric values in public consciousness, shaping how society viewed relationships between men and women within the nobility.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of chivalry on contemporary views of honor and masculinity, particularly in relation to modern literature and culture.
  • Chivalry's impact on contemporary views of honor and masculinity is significant, as many modern narratives still draw from its foundational principles. Today, concepts such as respect for women, loyalty in relationships, and personal integrity echo chivalric ideals. This enduring legacy is evident in literature, film, and popular culture, where characters often reflect or subvert these traditional notions of masculinity by balancing strength with compassion. Analyzing these representations helps us understand how historical codes like chivalry continue to inform current social standards.

Related terms

Knighthood: The status or rank of a knight, typically granted by a monarch or noble in recognition of valor and service, often tied to the chivalric code.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love emphasizing nobility and chivalry, where knights would perform noble deeds for their beloved ladies.

Epic Poetry: A genre of narrative poetry that recounts the heroic deeds and adventures of legendary figures, often highlighting themes of honor and chivalric ideals.