Code of Chivalry What is Chivalry? “The word 'Chivalry derives from the French word chevalier meaning a horseman; a knight or a gallant young man. The definition of Chivalry can be described as a term often related to medieval institution of knighthood referring to the codes of conduct, including courtly love, adhered to by Medieval knights with gallant knightly values including honor, bravery, courteousness and honesty. Chivalry was the honor code of the knight. An important part of chivalry was to show respect and gallantry towards women. The Code of Chivalry was an important part of the society and lives of people who lived during the Medieval times and era. The Code of Chivalry was admired and understood by all.”1 Instructions for Activity As a group, pick a code of conduct that you think is relevant today. Which codes are ones we should honor today? Pick one as a group and create a little skit, 1­2 minutes demonstrating the code to the class. The Code of Chivalry2 French historian Leon Gautier (1891) mapped out his Decalogue governing the conduct of a knight: 1. Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions. 2. Thou shalt defend the Church. 3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them. 4. Thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast 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. VIII. Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word. 8. Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone. 9. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil. The Rifts: England Supplement 1. Live to serve King and Country. 2. Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear. 3. Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor. 4. Live for freedom, justice and all that is good. 5. Never attack an unarmed foe. 6. Never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack. 7. Never attack from behind. 8. Avoid lying to your fellow man. 9. Avoid cheating. 10. Avoid torture. 11. Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry. 12. Administer justice. 13. Protect the innocent. 14. Exhibit self control. 15. Show respect to authority. 16. Respect women. 17. Exhibit Courage in word and deed. 18. Defend the weak and innocent. 19. Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms. 20. Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people. 21. Fight with honor. 22.
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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. 36. Loyalty to one's friends and those who lay their trust in thee. 1
Alchin, Linda. "Chivalry." Chivalry. Siteseen Ltd., n.d. Web. 31 July 2014. <http://www.medieval­life­and­times.info/medieval­knights/chivalry.htm>. 2
Maille, Godefroys. "Code Of Chivalry ­ Aux Mailles Godefroy." Code Of Chivalry. AuxMaillesGodefroy, Jan. 2008. Web. 31 July 2014. <http://www.auxmaillesgodefroy.com/code_of_chivalry>.