Chivalry in Arthurian Legend Essay -- Medieval Times Knighthood Essays

nicknameliness in Arthurian LegendMerriam-Websters on-line dictionary defines chivalry as the system, core, or customs of medieval nicknamehood. As Leon Gautier, author of Chivalry, defines this system and spirit of knighthood by identifying rules of chivalry, two of which are well illustrated in Lanval, The wife of Baths Tale, and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and razzing Ragnel Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word, and Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone(qtd. in Chivalry). All three stories seem to paint a picture the predominant theme of a knight living up to his word. This is shown by the fact that, in each story, the knights oath is taken very seriously, is inured as a contract, and is trusted implicitly. The generosity of the knight is also envisioned in these works. It is not difficult to see, given the moral overtone of these rules, that the church had a great deal to do with defining the values of knighthood.The married wo man of Baths Tale and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and fowl Ragnell both follow the story of a knight who makes a rash promise on which his life depends. point under the most difficult of circumstances, these promises are kept. In the story of Dame Ragnell and Sir Gawain, King Arthur is described by the author as a knight who bare away the honour, Where-so-evere he went(9). Surely he must be held to any code of honor imposed on a knight While on a hunting expedition, King Arthur is confronted by a fully armed knight, named Gromer Somer Joure. Arthur is alone, scarcely armed and unable to defend himself against Gromer, who is fix to take Arthurs life. In order to avoid instant death, Arthur is forced to cuss to return, alone and in this same arraye(87... ...h, defend the king, his land and his people, and be courtly to the ladies. They were honest, distinguished gentlemen. When they gave their word, it was trusted without doubt. They were the epitome of chivalry.Works CitedLanval. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. pile 1. New York 2000. (127-140).Merriam-Webster Online The Language Center. Online. Internet. 2000. Merriam-Webster Incorporated. acquirable http//www.m-w.com/Price, Brian R. On Knighthood. Online. Internet. 11/22/2000.Available http//www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7374/knights-2.htmlRules of Chivalry. Online. Internet. 11/11/2000.Available http//www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5266/chivalry.htmThe Wife of Baths Prologue and Tale. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume 1. New York 2000. (253-280).