Chivalry

Definition

Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code, emphasizing virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women and the weak. It shaped the values and conduct of knights during the Middle Ages, influencing art and literature that reflected these ideals through themes of heroism, loyalty, and courtly love.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalry became formalized in the 12th century, with codes of conduct outlined in literature like 'The Song of Roland' and 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'.
2. The concept of chivalry included not just martial prowess but also the protection of the weak, particularly women and children, which was seen as a noble duty.
3. Chivalric ideals were often celebrated in medieval art, reflected in illuminated manuscripts and tapestries depicting knights in heroic poses or romantic situations.
4. The decline of chivalry began in the late Middle Ages due to changes in warfare, such as the rise of infantry and gunpowder, making the traditional knightly role less relevant.
5. Chivalry influenced later concepts of gentlemanly behavior and codes of conduct that persist in modern society, where honor and respect remain valued traits.

Review Questions

• How did chivalric ideals influence the portrayal of knights in medieval art?
  • Chivalric ideals heavily influenced how knights were depicted in medieval art, emphasizing their bravery, honor, and noble qualities. Artists often illustrated scenes that showcased heroic deeds, courtly love, and valorous battles, reflecting the societal values associated with knighthood. This representation not only celebrated individual knights but also reinforced the ideals of chivalry as aspirational traits for society as a whole.
• Evaluate the impact of chivalry on the relationships between different social classes during the Middle Ages.
  • Chivalry played a crucial role in shaping relationships between different social classes by promoting mutual respect and duties among nobles, knights, and commoners. The code encouraged knights to protect those who were less fortunate and upheld notions of loyalty and service. This dynamic established a sense of obligation within feudalism, fostering a system where honor dictated behavior towards one's superiors as well as subordinates.
• Analyze how the decline of chivalry affected cultural representations of heroism in later periods.
  • The decline of chivalry led to significant changes in cultural representations of heroism in later periods. As warfare evolved with new technology and tactics, traditional knightly valor became less relevant. This shift prompted new narratives where heroism was depicted in broader terms beyond physical bravery—highlighting intelligence, strategy, and moral dilemmas instead. Such changes influenced literature and art well into the Renaissance and beyond, shaping modern interpretations of what it means to be a hero.

Related terms

Knighthood: The rank or status of being a knight, often conferred through a ceremonial act that symbolizes loyalty and military service to a lord or sovereign.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love emphasizing nobility and chivalry, often characterized by a knight's adoration for a noblewoman, who is usually unattainable.

Feudalism: The social system in medieval Europe where land was held in exchange for service or labor, establishing a hierarchy between lords and vassals.