Chivalry

knights · medieval · honor code · literature

A code for knights. Chivalry started in France around 1170 to 1220 as an informal set of rules that told knights how to behave. It emphasized being brave, loyal, honest, and treating everyone with courtesy and respect.

Famous stories spread it. Medieval literature, especially stories about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, popularized the ideals of chivalry across Europe. These tales made people want to follow chivalrous values and inspired knights to live by them.

Connected to knighthood. Chivalry was the code that governed knights, who were members of special military orders. These rules shaped how knights fought in battle, treated their lords, and conducted themselves in everyday life.

Inspired by legendary heroes. Stories about Charlemagne's brave companions, called paladins, and King Arthur's noble knights helped define what chivalry meant. These legendary figures became models for what a true knight should be.