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Medieval Chivalry (Life)
Chivalry is the set of virtues and values that were inspired on its followers, mainly medieval knights. The word comes from the French "Chevalier" and Spanish "Caballero", both meaning knight.
During Feudalism, when Europe was in a time of constant turmoil, the knight began to emerge as the dominant military force. Knights did not abide as strictly to their code of chivalry as was expected, as most cared for nothing but to kill their enemies and loot their bodies in battle. Many were also engaged in dishonorable acts such as attacking civilians and raiding small towns. They were sometimes described as "bloodthirsty warriors".
The Code of Chivalry
1.Thou shalt believe all that the church teaches and shall obey all her commandments.
2.Thou shalt defend the church with thine best.
3.Thou shalt respect all weaknesses.
4.Thou shalt love the country in which thou was born.
5.Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
6.Thou shalt make war against the infidel without cessation and without mercy.
7.Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
8.Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word.
9.Thou shalt be generous.
10.Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right against injustice and evil.
Courtly Love
A common characteristic of knights was their use of language to court women. The image of a brave knight fighting the crusades while his beautiful wife is waiting for him is unique to this period. Even today, the term "chivalry" is related to being a gentleman.
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