Codes of Chivalry: Knights of the Dark and Middle Ages

In the Dark and Middle Ages, chivalry and the ideals that defined a knight stood at the very centre of culture and courtly life. Although no single official document codified chivalry, knights were expected to live according to certain precepts and virtues, which guided their conduct, courage, and reputation.

In the eleventh century, an epic poem called The Song of Roland emerged from France, describing knights and battles from the time of Emperor Charlemagne. The code of chivalry that Roland follows consists of seventeen principles:

To fear God and maintain His Church

To serve the liege lord in valour and faith

liege lord - a superior: King, Emperor, Lord etc.

To protect the weak and defenceless

To give succour to widows and orphans

to give succour - to provide assistance

To refrain from the wanton giving of offence

to refrain from deliberate offence

To live by honour and for glory

To despise pecuniary reward

pecuniary - monetary

To fight for the welfare of all

To obey those placed in authority

To guard the honour of fellow knights

To eschew unfairness, meanness, and deceit

to eschew - to refrain from

To keep faith

At all times to speak the truth

To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun

To respect the honour of women

Never to refuse a challenge from an equal

Never to turn one’s back upon a foe

Several centuries later, in the fourteenth century, a Code of Chivalry was written by the Duke of Burgundy. This list emphasised the moral and intellectual virtues that a knight should embody:

Faith

Charity

Justice

Sagacity (good judgement)

Prudence

Temperance

Resolution

Truth

Liberality

Diligence

Hope

These codes and virtues were more than abstract ideals. They shaped the behaviour and reputation of knights, guiding their courage, loyalty, and sense of honour.