![]() ![]() Firstly, for most people modern chivalry is rendered now to holding open doors for ladies, and standing when they enter or leave a room, that sort of thing. Here I would direct the reader to Clare Simmons’ excellent chapter on ‘Chivalric Medievalism’, which discusses exactly this: how the modern world has used, and abused, the medieval chivalric culture. the crusades).How is our modern idea of chivalry different from how medieval people would have understood it? Many knights of the era did not adhere well to the chivalric code (e.g. Loss of one’s knighthood as well as one’s pride. To fail is to be shamed, and the consequences could include the Great exertion on the part of the hero, and the overcoming of many obstacles.Some quest stories include a test of the hero’s character and virtues.The heroes must obtain something, or someone, by the quest and with this object return home. Helping other knights in battles/quests, even if they are the enemy-always fight fair! ![]() Courtly love is especially selfless because a knight couldĪctually marry a woman ranked higher than he Saving/rescuing anyone in need of help, especially those who are weak and cannot help themselvesĬourtly love: loving and doing whatever noble ladies ask. The Medieval knight was bound to the chivalric code to be loyal to:Īcts of chivalry as noted in historical literature include:ĭoing battles or other quests for a feudal lord To serve such excellence would be endless delight." Part 3, lines 1241-1247 There are many literary sources for chivalry, including:īeowulf (an epic from the early Middle Ages)īy God, I'd be glad, if it pleased you, to offer you ![]() For the most part, this meant loyalty to a feudal lord, but later on in history, it included romantic loyalty, known as courtly love. The most important concept within chivalry is loyalty Let’s watch this video about weapons of the Middle Ages:Ĭhivalry was an idealized system of manners and morals.Many of the ideals came from the Catholic Church, which was the central power in the Middle Ages. : for jousting or horse-mounted attack a long spear with a heavy handle that had to be cradled under the arm to hold it in place : a heavy club with a metal, spiked ball or cylinder at the end flails had chains so that the ball could whip around in the air Sword: the primary weapon of a knight swords were heavy, with large handles that could also be used as part of the weapon they were very expensive!Shield: not just for defense, but a shield could be used to slam an opponent or slice at themStaff: usually made from a sturdy tree branch, staffs were long, agile weapons that could hit and sweep at a man, as well as block advancesīow and Arrow/Crossbow: more of a distance weapon, bows and arrows were the sniper’s rifle of the time crossbows were the automatic guns ![]() : weighing up to 100 pounds, knights would wear heavy iron plates, chain link vests, pads, and helmets with visors to protect themselves In addition to jousting, tournaments often held other events, such as mock battles, sword fights, archery contests, and horse-training events.Playing War & TournamentsSlide6 The best knights could walk away with lots of money…or they might never walk again. Jousting was very expensive, very dangerous, and very difficult. We often think of knights as jousting and competing-this was often how they spent their time when not engaged in real battle! This was a way for knights to keep their skills sharp, to earn money, and also to earn fame for their lord. Providing protection to the lord and the people on his landsPolicing the lord’s lands and people (upholding laws)When knights were not “working,” they often played war by competing in tournaments. Providing military service should there be a battle or war !There were a few steps to take before becoming a knight:Page: for the youths in training these children were taught in Latin and mostly learned how to ride horses, hunt, and care for animalsSquire: at age 14 they would begin training with armor and weapons would often assist other knights as a part of their training and educationKnight: a special ceremony gives them the title they would wear white robes and fast for two days to prepare for it!Ī knight’s duties were to his lord. In terms of hierarchy, they ranked below the lesser nobles, but above the merchant and peasant classes.Īppointed by thelords they served, andwere given fiefs of land in exchange forloyalty and service.Ĭhildren would begin training to become a knight as early as age Knights were an important class of people within the feudal society. ![]()
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