The Valiant Quest: A Study of Knights,

Chivalry, and the Pursuit of Honor

by Ciocoiu Andrei under the guidance of Teacher Mirela Maresi.

Ion Creanga National College

Why did I choose this unusual topic?.......................................3
On the Pursuit of Honor............................................................4
Chivalry...................................................................................... 5
Examples of Chivalry in the medieval ages............................. 8
The Correlation between Chivalry and Honor..................... 11
Knights in the middle ages...................................................... 13
The Knights Code.................................................................... 15
Conclusion................................................................................ 16
Bibliography............................................................................. 17
Why did I choose this unusual topic?

While I believe that many people will choose to focus on more historical aspects of the Middle
Ages, such as wars, crusades, and medieval life, I have chosen a different path. A path in which I
investigate the personalities and habits of people living during those times in the hopes of
gathering certain behaviors that would be useful in our modern lives.

Chivalry was an important aspect of medieval life, and it is something that we can learn from
today. The chivalric code emphasized virtues such as courage, honor, loyalty, and respect for
others, which can serve as a model for our own behavior. By adopting these values, we can strive
to be better people and contribute to a more just and compassionate society. Additionally, the
concept of courtly love, which was popular in the middle ages, emphasized the importance of
treating women with respect and dignity. This is a message that is just as relevant today as it was
in the past. By studying the character and behavior of people during the middle ages, we can find
valuable lessons that can help us become better individuals and members of society.

I believe that looking at the daily lives of people during the middle ages can provide valuable
insights into how we can improve our own lifestyles. By studying their habits, we may be able to
adopt some of their practices that could improve our physical and mental health, as well as our
overall well-being.

For example, we can learn from the medieval diet that consisted of mainly whole foods and fresh
produce. This is something that we can apply to our modern diet, which is often filled with
processed foods and preservatives. Additionally, we can also learn from the medieval approach
to physical activity, which was a part of daily life. Incorporating more physical activity into our
daily routines can have numerous health benefits. By analyzing the lives of people during the
middle ages, we can find inspiration for our own personal growth and development.
On the Pursuit of Honor

"Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination."

"I will protect those who cannot protect themselves."
"I will protect even those I hate so long as it is right."
"I will protect those that I hate... even if the one I hate is myself."
-The 4 Knight's Ideals from "The Stormlight Archive" by Brandon Sanderson

The pursuit of honor is essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. It requires us to
protect those who cannot protect themselves, stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult,
and be willing to confront our weaknesses. The journey toward honor may not be easy, but it is
undoubtedly worth it in the end.

Pursuing honor is a vital aspect of human life as it reflects our commitment to living a principled
life. As the first quote, "Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination,"
suggests, the pursuit of honor is a journey, not a destination. It is an ongoing process of striving
to live up to our values and principles, even when it is difficult.

One of the key components of the pursuit of honor is protecting those who cannot protect
themselves, as stated in the second quote, "I will protect those who cannot protect themselves."
This means being a champion for those who are vulnerable and standing up for what is right,
even when it is not the easiest or most convenient option. This is not only an honorable thing to
do, but it is also necessary for the betterment of society.
However, the pursuit of honor is not always straightforward. As the third quote, "I will protect
even those I hate so long as it is right," suggests, sometimes we may need to protect people we
dislike or even hate if it is the right thing to do. This can be a challenging and uncomfortable
situation, but the pursuit of honor demands that we prioritize what is right over personal feelings
or biases.

Lastly, the fourth quote, "I will protect those that I hate... even if the one I hate is myself,"
highlights the fact that the pursuit of honor also includes self-reflection and self-improvement. To
be truly honorable, we must hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold others. We must
be willing to confront our flaws and weaknesses and work to improve ourselves continually.

Chivalry
was a code of conduct that emerged in medieval Europe and was closely associated with the
knightly class. Its origins can be traced back to the 11th century when the feudal system was
firmly established across much of Europe. As part of this system, knights were granted land and
power by their lords in exchange for military service. However, it soon became clear that simply
being a skilled warrior was not enough to maintain the respect and loyalty of one's peers. Thus,
chivalry emerged as a means of establishing a set of values and virtues that were considered
essential for a knight to uphold.

The term "chivalry" derives from the French word "chevalier," meaning "knight," and initially
referred to the martial skills and duties of the knightly class. However, over time, it came to
encompass a broader set of ideals and behaviors that were associated with the noble character
of a true knight.

One of the most important aspects of chivalry was honor. Knights were expected to display a
strong sense of personal honor and to always act in a manner that was consistent with their
station. This included showing courage in battle, being respectful to their superiors and peers,
and displaying loyalty to their lord and country.

Chivalry also emphasized the importance of courtesy and good manners. Knights were expected
to be well-spoken, well-dressed, and to behave in a refined and courtly manner. This meant
displaying grace and tact in social situations, as well as demonstrating an understanding of the
arts and culture.

Another key aspect of chivalry was respect for women. Knights were expected to protect and
defend women, especially those who were weak or vulnerable. This included showing deference
and courtesy to women of all classes and treating them with the utmost respect and honor.
The chivalric code also placed a strong emphasis on religious faith and piety. Knights were
expected to act in a manner that was consistent with Christian principles, including displaying
humility, kindness, and generosity to those in need. This often meant performing acts of charity,
such as giving to the poor or funding religious institutions.

Overall, chivalry represented a complex and multifaceted system of values and behaviors that
had a profound impact on medieval European society. While it was primarily associated with the
knightly class, its influence extended far beyond the battlefield and had a lasting impact on the
development of European culture and identity. Today, chivalry is often seen as a romantic ideal,
a vision of a bygone era in which knights in shining armor lived by a code of honor and bravery
that has since been lost to the ages. However, its legacy continues to inspire and captivate people
of all ages and backgrounds, serving as a testament to the enduring power of ideals and values.

Chivalry was not a static code of conduct, but rather evolved and adapted over time. As medieval
society changed, so too did the expectations placed on knights and the ideals they were expected
to uphold. For example, in the later Middle Ages, chivalry became increasingly associated with
courtly love, a romantic ideal that emphasized the virtues of devotion, humility, and self-sacrifice
in romantic relationships.

Chivalry was also closely linked to the institution of knighthood, which was a highly formalized
and hierarchical system. Becoming a knight was a rigorous process that involved years of
training and apprenticeship, as well as the demonstration of martial prowess and adherence to
the ideals of chivalry. Knights were typically initiated into their order through a ceremony that
involved being dubbed with a sword by their lord or another respected member of the order.

The ideal of chivalry was not without its critics, however. Some scholars argue that it was a
largely fictional construct, a romanticized vision of the knightly class that bore little resemblance
to the reality of medieval life. Others point out that the chivalric code was often used to justify
acts of violence and aggression, particularly against women and marginalized groups.
Despite these criticisms, the ideal of chivalry continues to exert a powerful influence on modern
culture. It has inspired countless works of literature and art, from the tales of King Arthur and
the Knights of the Round Table to the modern fantasy genre. It has also influenced popular
notions of masculinity and heroism, shaping our understanding of what it means to be a
"gentleman" or a "hero."

Examples of Chivalry in the medieval ages

There are many examples of chivalry in the medieval ages, some of which include:
Protecting the weak and defenseless: One of the core tenets of chivalry was the obligation to
protect those who were unable to defend themselves. Knights were expected to come to the aid of
the poor, the sick, and the oppressed, and to use their martial skills to protect their communities
from harm.

Demonstrating courage in battle: Knights were renowned for their bravery and valor in battle,
often risking their own lives to defend their lord and country. They were expected to show
unwavering courage and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Showing respect for women: Chivalry placed a strong emphasis on treating women with respect
and dignity, particularly those of noble birth. Knights were expected to show deference and
courtesy to women at all times and to defend their honor against any who would seek to harm
them.

Demonstrating loyalty to one's lord: Knights were bound by a strong sense of loyalty to their lord
and were expected to serve him faithfully and with honor. This often involved undertaking
dangerous missions and serving as his personal bodyguard in times of war.

Displaying courtly manners: Knights were expected to be well-versed in the arts of conversation,
music, and dance, and to behave in a refined and courtly manner at all times. This involved
showing grace and poise in social situations, as well as demonstrating an understanding of
etiquette and protocol.
Performing acts of charity: Knights were expected to be generous and charitable, giving to the
poor and supporting religious institutions. Many knights founded hospitals, monasteries, and
other charitable institutions, using their wealth and influence to help those in need.
The correlation between chivalry and honor

Chivalry and honor were closely linked in medieval society, with chivalry often seen as the
outward manifestation of a knight's inner sense of honor and duty. Honor was a central concept
in medieval culture, representing a set of moral and ethical values that were deeply ingrained in
the social and political fabric of the time.

For knights, honor meant living up to the expectations of their peers and society at large,
upholding the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and selflessness that were considered essential to the
chivalric ideal. Knights were expected to act with honor in all aspects of their lives, from their
dealings with fellow knights to their interactions with women and commoners.
One of the key ways in which honor and chivalry were linked was through the concept of
reputation. Knights were keenly aware of their reputations and the impact that their actions
could have on their standing within the knightly class. A knight who acted with honor and valor
could enhance his reputation and win the respect of his peers, while one who acted dishonorably
could be shunned and ostracized.

At the same time, chivalry was seen as a means of attaining honor. By following the strict code of
conduct outlined by the chivalric ideal, knights could demonstrate their commitment to honor
and earn the respect of their peers. Chivalry provided a set of guidelines for behavior that was
seen as both honorable and virtuous and adherence to these ideals was seen as a key aspect of
being a true knight.

Ultimately, chivalry and honor were intertwined concepts that shaped the behavior and
worldview of knights in medieval society. By upholding the values of chivalry and living with
honor, knights could fulfill their duty to society, defend their lord and country, and win the
respect and admiration of their peers.
Knights in the middle ages

Knights were a central part of medieval society, playing a key role in warfare, politics, and
culture. The term "knight" originated from the Old English word "cniht", which meant servant or
attendant. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to a warrior who was trained in the
arts of combat and chivalry.

Knighthood was not an inherited status but was instead earned through merit or by the favor of a
lord. Boys would begin their training as pages at the age of seven, serving as a personal
attendants to a knight or nobleman. At the age of 14, they would become squires, learning the
skills of combat and chivalry from their mentors. If they proved themselves worthy, they could
be knighted in a formal ceremony that involved being dubbed with a sword by a noble or king.
One of the key roles of knights was as warriors. They were skilled in the use of weapons such as
the sword, lance, and bow, and were expected to fight in defense of their lord or country. Knights
were often called upon to participate in battles and sieges, where they would demonstrate their
courage, skill, and valor.

Knights also played an important role in politics and governance. They served as advisers and
confidants to their lords, providing military and strategic advice, as well as assisting with the
administration of their estates. Many knights held positions of power and authority in their
communities, serving as judges, magistrates, and sheriffs.

Chivalry was a central concept in the life of a knight, representing a code of conduct that
emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and selflessness. Knights were expected to behave in
a courtly and refined manner, showing deference and courtesy to women and acting with honor
and integrity in all aspects of their lives.

In addition to their military and political roles, knights were also influential in shaping medieval
culture. They were patrons of the arts, sponsoring poets, musicians, and artists, and participating
in tournaments and other festive events that celebrated their skill and prowess.

Overall, knights were a vital part of medieval society, embodying the ideals of chivalry and
serving as warriors, advisers, and cultural icons. Their legacy has endured to the present day,
inspiring tales of heroism and valor in literature, film, and popular culture.
The Knights Code

The code of chivalry, also known as the knight's code, was a set of moral and ethical rules that
governed the behavior of knights in medieval society. The code varied somewhat depending on
the time and place, but there were certain ideals that were common to most versions of the code.

One of the key tenets of the knight's code was loyalty. Knights were expected to be loyal to their
lord, their king, and their country, and to defend them at all costs. This included showing
allegiance on the battlefield but also involved other aspects of life, such as refusing to reveal
secrets or betray confidences.

Another important ideal was courage. Knights were expected to be brave in battle, but also in
other areas of their lives. This included standing up for their beliefs, facing challenges with
determination, and displaying physical and moral strength in the face of adversity.

Honour was also a central concept in the knight's code. Knights were expected to act with
honour in all their dealings, showing respect for others and upholding the values of chivalry.
This included acting with courtesy and gentleness towards women, showing mercy towards
enemies who surrendered, and refusing to engage in dishonourable behavior such as lying or
cheating.

Generosity was another key ideal of the knight's code. Knights were expected to be generous with
their wealth and resources, sharing their wealth with those less fortunate and providing aid to
those in need. This included providing food and shelter to travelers, helping the sick and injured,
and supporting charitable causes.

Finally, the knight's code emphasized the importance of self-control and humility. Knights were
expected to exercise self-restraint in all areas of their lives, avoiding excess and indulgence.
They were also expected to be humble, recognize their own limitations and weaknesses, and seek
to improve themselves through training and discipline.

Overall, the knight's code was a set of ideals that reflected the values of medieval society. It
emphasized loyalty, courage, honour, generosity, and self-control, and provided a framework for
the behavior of knights in all areas of their lives. While the code may seem idealistic or
romanticized to modern eyes, it played a central role in shaping the culture and values of
medieval Europe.

Conclusion

The pursuit of honor, chivalry, and the role of knights in medieval society is complex and fascinating
topics that continue to captivate the imaginations of people today. These concepts are intricately
intertwined, reflecting the values and ideals of medieval society and shaping its culture and beliefs.

At the heart of these concepts is the idea of honor, which was central to the behavior of knights. The
honor was earned through acts of loyalty, courage, and chivalry, and was reflected in a knight's
reputation and status in society. Knights were expected to uphold these ideals in all aspects of their
lives, from battlefields to courtly settings, and even in their personal relationships.

The code of chivalry, which governed the behavior of knights, was a set of moral and ethical rules that
emphasized virtues such as loyalty, courage, honor, generosity, and self-control. These ideals not only
shaped the behavior of knights but also influenced the wider society and culture of the medieval era.

The role of knights in medieval society was multifaceted, serving as warriors, advisers, and cultural
icons. They were often associated with bravery, heroism, and nobility, and were looked up to as role
models and symbols of the ideal man.
Today, the legacy of chivalry and the knightly code continues to be celebrated in literature, film, and
popular culture. While the ideals of honor and chivalry may seem romanticized or idealistic to modern
eyes, they continue to serve as a source of inspiration and reflection on the values and virtues that
have shaped human history.

In conclusion, the pursuit of honor, chivalry, and the role of knights in medieval society are enduring
topics that offer a fascinating insight into the values and ideals of the past. Through exploring these
concepts, we can gain a better understanding of the beliefs and values of people in the past, and
reflect on the ways in which these ideals continue to shape our culture and society today.

Bibliography

1. "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson

2. "Words of Radiance" by Brandon Sanderson
3. "Oathbringer" by Brandon Sanderson
4. "The Knight and Chivalry" by Richard Barber
5. "Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe" by Richard W. Kaeuper
6. "Chivalry" by Maurice Keen
7. "The Development of Arthurian Romance" by Roger S. Loomis