Chivalry in Arthurian Legend Essay -- Medieval Times Knighthood Essays

Chivalry in Arthurian LegendMerriam-Websters on-line mental lexicon defines chivalry as the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood. As Leon Gautier, seed of Chivalry, defines this system and spirit of knighthood by identifying rules of chivalry, two of which are well illustrated in Lanval, TheWife of Baths Tale, and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame 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 trio stories seem to suggest the predominant theme of a knight alive up to his word. This is shown by the fact that, in each story, the knights oath is interpreted very seriously, is treated as a contract, and is trusted implicitly. The generosity of the knight is also portrayed in these works. It is not difficult to see, given the clean overtone of these rules, that the Church had a great deal to do with defining the values of knighthood.The Wife of Baths Tale and T he Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell both hound the story of a knight who makes a rash promise on which his life depends. Even under the most difficult of circumstances, these promises are kept. In the story of Dame Ragnell and Sir Gawain, office 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(p) to defend himself against Gromer, who is ready to take Arthurs life. In order to avoid inst death, Arthur is forced to swear to return, alone and in this same arraye(87... ...h, defend the king, his realm and his people, and be courteous 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 Antho logy of side of meat Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume 1. New York 2000. (127-140).Merriam-Webster Online The Language Center. Online. Internet. 2000. Merriam-Webster Incorporated. unattached 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).