• Medieval Code of Chivalry,The
    There was not an authentic Medieval Code of Chivalry as such - it was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. The Medieval Code of Chivalry was understood by all but a Code of Chivalry was documented in 'The Song of Roland' in the early Medieval period of William the Conqueror. The 'Song of Roland' describes the 8th century Knights and battles of the Emperor Charlemagne and has been described as Charlemagne's Code of Chivalry. The idea of the Code of Chivalry were emphasised by the oaths that were sworn in Knighthood ceremonies. These sacred oaths were combined with the ideals of chivalry and with strict rules of etiquette and conduct. The idea and ideals of a Medieval Code of Chivalry was publicised in the poems, ballads, writings and literary works of Medieval authors. The myths of Arthurian Legends featuring King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table further strengthen the idea of a Medieval Code of Chivalry. The Arthurian legend revolves around the Code of Chivalry followed by the Knights of the Round Table - Honour, Honesty, Valour and Loyalty.

    Medieval Code of Chivalry - the Oaths made during the Knighthood Ceremony
    The entry into Knighthood was highly ritualised which started with a Night Vigil in the Chapel of the Castle

  • The Knight swore an oath of allegiance to the lord and swore the following oaths:
  • Never traffic with traitors.
  • Never give evil counsel to a lady, whether married or not; he must treat her with great respect and defend her against all.
  • To observe fasts and abstinences, and every day hear Mass and make an offering in Church

    The Public ceremony of Knighthood followed a deeply religious ceremony with blessings from the Church to go forward and protect the church by the use of arms.

    Medieval Code of Chivalry - the Rules of Courtly Love
    I. Marriage is no real excuse for not loving.
    II. He who is not jealous cannot love.
    III. No one can be bound by a double love.
    IV. It is well known that love is always increasing or decreasing.
    V. That which a lover takes against the will of his beloved has no relish.
    VI. Boys do not love until they arrive at the age of maturity.
    VII. When one lover dies, a widowhood of two years is required of the survivor.
    VIII. No one should be deprived of love without the very best of reasons.
    IX. No one can love unless he is impelled by the persuasion of love.
    X. Love is always a stranger in the home of avarice.
    XI. It is not proper to love any woman whom one would be ashamed to seek to marry.
    XII. A true lover does not desire to embrace in love anyone except his beloved.
    XIII. When made public love rarely endures.
    XIV. The easy attainment of love makes it of little value; difficulty of attainment makes it prized.
    XV. Every lover regularly turns pale in the presence of his beloved.
    XVI. When a lover suddenly catches sight of his beloved, his heart palpitates.
    XVII. A new love puts to flight an old one.
    XVIII. Good character alone makes any man worthy of love.
    XIX. If love diminishes, it quickly fails and rarely revives.
    XX. A man in love is always apprehensive.
    XXI. Real jealousy always increases the feeling of love.
    XXII. Jealousy, and therefore love, are increased when one suspects his beloved.
    XXIII. He whom the thought of love vexes eats and sleeps very little.
    XXIV. Every act of a lover ends in the thought of his beloved.
    XXV. A true lover considers nothing good except what he thinks will please his beloved.
    XXVI. Love can deny nothing to love.
    XXVII. A lover can never have enough of the solaces of his beloved.
    XXVIII. A slight presumption causes a lover to suspect his beloved.
    XXIX. A man who is vexed by too much passion usually does not love.
    XXX. A true lover is constantly and without intermission possessed by the thought of his beloved.
    XXXI. Nothing forbids one woman being loved by two men or one man by two women.

 



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