The Code of Chivalry outlines the virtues and ethical standards expected of knights during the Middle Ages. It emphasizes values such as prowess, justice, loyalty, and humility, which guided knights in their conduct. The document also includes historical commandments that reflect the socio-economic realities of the time, illustrating how these ideals evolved. Additionally, it encourages a modern interpretation of chivalry, adapting its principles to contemporary society. This resource is valuable for students of medieval history and those interested in ethical frameworks in modern contexts.

Key Points

  • Explains the historical context and evolution of chivalric values in the Middle Ages.
  • Details the Ten Commandments of Chivalry, highlighting specific virtues like loyalty and justice.
  • Discusses the relevance of chivalric principles in today's society and their potential modern applications.
  • Analyzes key virtues such as humility, courage, and defense of the weak as foundational to chivalry.
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The Code of Chivalry
Adapted from http://www.medieval-life.net/chivalry.htm
Chivalry is the generic term for the knightly system of the Middle Ages and for virtues and qualities it
inspired in its followers. The word evolved from terms such as chevalier (French), caballero (Spanish),
and cavaliere (Italian), all meaning a warrior who fought on horseback. The term came to mean so much
more during medieval times. 13
th
Century conventions of chivalry directed that men should honor,
serve, and do nothing to displease ladies and maidens. Although there is no “authentic” code of
chivalry, discussions of knightly virtues can be found in writings throughout history. Nearly all writing
agree on the following chivalric virtues:
Prowess: Seeking excellence in all endeavors; seeking strength to be used for justice rather than personal gain.
Justice: Seeking what is right without personal bias or prejudice; tempered by humanity and mercy
Loyalty: Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to a person or ideal
Defense: Defending your lord and those who depend on you
Courage: Choosing the more difficult path, rather than what comes easy; choosing to live by truth
Faith: Having faith in your beliefs so that when humanity disappoints you, you still have hope
Humility: Refusing to boast in your own accomplishments; putting others before yourself
Largesse: Being as generous as your resources allow
Nobility: Seeking great stature of character; being the best you can be, realizing that perfection is impossible but
always striving toward that ideal
Franchise: Emulating all parts of the code of chivalry in the hope that others will follow your example.
Chivalry as a set of ideals changed throughout the Middle Ages to meet new socio-economic realities.
That said, it is only logical that a new chivalric code can be set to meet today’s unique society,
maintaining the essential quality of defending “rightness” that defines what we understand as chivalry.
Naturally, there will be disputes over who or what is “right,” and this could be a starting point for some
very interesting discussion.
Below is an example of one of many chivalric codes taken down throughout history. Note how the
commandments are specific to a certain socio-economic reality. This code would have no real bearing in
modern society.
The Ten Commandments of the Code of Chivalry
From Chivalry by Leon Gautier
I. Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions.
II. Thou shalt defend the Church.
III. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
IV. Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born.
V. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
VI. Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and without mercy.
VII. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
VIII. Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.
IX. Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.
X. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice
and Evil.
The Code of Chivalry
Live to serve King and Country.
Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear.
Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor.
Live for freedom, justice and all that is good.
Never attack an unarmed foe.
Never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack.
Never attack from behind.
Avoid lying to your fellow man.
Avoid cheating.
Avoid torture.
Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry.
Administer justice.
Protect the innocent.
Exhibit self-control.
Show respect to authority.
Respect women.
Exhibit Courage in word and deed.
Defend the weak and innocent.
Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms.
Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people.
Fight with honor.
Avenge the wronged.
Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause.
Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry.
Die with valor.
Always keep one's word of honor.
Always maintain one's principles.
Never betray a confidence or comrade.
Avoid deception.
Respect life and freedom.
Die with honor.
Exhibit manners.
Be polite and attentive.
Be respectful of host, women, and honor.
Loyalty to country, King, honor, freedom, and the code of chivalry.
Loyalty to one's friends and those who lay their trust in thee.
Modern Chivalry Name: ____________________
Block: ___ Date:________
Part 1 – Identify three specific examples of chivalry in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” Use the text.
1. _______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Part 2 – Assessing modern behavior: Create a list of the following things (Be as specific as possible, but
do not get ridiculous):
Three behaviors or manners that you find annoying about members of the opposite sex
1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
Three things that you have found from personal experience that can ruin a friendship
1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
Three ways adults make teenagers feel unappreciated
1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
Three habits of society at large that you find wrong or annoying
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
Part 3 – Using the information you received about chivalry as inspiration, come up with your own
Modern Code of Chivalry. Make sure you address the concerns you wrote above. You may want to
brainstorm first, and then whittle your list down to the top ten.
1. _______________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________________________________
8. _______________________________________________________________________________
9. _______________________________________________________________________________
10. _______________________________________________________________________________
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FAQs

What are the main virtues outlined in the Code of Chivalry?
The Code of Chivalry emphasizes several key virtues including prowess, which is the pursuit of excellence and justice, and loyalty, which reflects unwavering commitment to a person or ideal. Other important virtues include humility, which involves putting others before oneself, and courage, which encourages choosing the difficult path for the sake of truth. These virtues collectively guide knights in their conduct and interactions with others.
How did the Code of Chivalry adapt to changing societal norms?
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Code of Chivalry evolved to reflect the changing socio-economic realities of the time. As society transitioned, the ideals of chivalry were reinterpreted to address new challenges and expectations. This adaptability allowed the code to remain relevant, emphasizing the importance of justice and moral integrity in a variety of contexts. Today, this adaptability serves as a foundation for creating a modern chivalric code that aligns with contemporary values.
What are the Ten Commandments of Chivalry?
The Ten Commandments of Chivalry, as articulated by Leon Gautier, include directives such as defending the Church, respecting the weak, and being generous. These commandments serve as a moral framework for knights, guiding their actions in both warfare and daily life. They emphasize the importance of loyalty to one's country and king, as well as the commitment to uphold justice and fight against evil. Each commandment reflects the values that were deemed essential for noble conduct during the medieval period.
How can modern society apply the principles of chivalry?
Modern society can apply the principles of chivalry by embracing values such as respect, honor, and justice in everyday interactions. This can manifest in acts of kindness, defending those who are vulnerable, and maintaining integrity in personal and professional relationships. By fostering a culture of chivalry, individuals can contribute to a more respectful and just society. The essence of chivalry can inspire people to act with courage and humility, promoting positive change in their communities.

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