The “Code of Chivalry”
Modernized, based on the "Old Code"
By Brian R. Price
April, 1997
Further updated by Kevin M. Altieri
April, 2008
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Introduction
Many people have written to me asking for the 'old Code of Chivalry' or the code by which medieval Knights lived. In truth there was no such written code, as if printed on a scroll; chivalry was a set of ideals and duties that changed throughout the Middle Ages to meet new socio economic realities. In our day, they must once again change, maintaining the essential quality of defending 'rightness' that ties the many images of what we call 'Chivalry.'
Although there is no 'authentic' code, discussions of Knightly virtues can be found in the writings of Knights and Bards throughout history. What I have done here is to distill many of the essential qualities discussed by all the major sources, such as Chrètien de Troyes, Ramon Lull, Geoffrey de Charny, Honoret Bonet, and others. I have modernized them slightly, removing many of the socially dependent elements and replacing them with more generic (and weaker) equivalents palatable to modern sensibilities.
Chivalry is often taken to be a matter of opinion and of dispute, but most would agree that the following virtues all have a place in the virtues a Knight should have. There will be grave differences of opinion on what duties and actions are expected in service of these virtues, and of their relative importance to one another, but I hope this serves as a starting point for discussion. Therefore, in response to the hundreds of messages asking for the 'old Code', here is a Code of Chivalry updated for the modern world.
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The ‘Updated’ Code of Chivalry
HONOR:
Arguably, HONOR is the single most important trait on the list. Honor denotes honesty, fairness, trustworthiness or integrity in one's beliefs and actions. Honor, honesty, integrity, & sincerity, refer to the highest moral principles and the absence of deceit or fraud. Honor denotes a fine sense of, and a strict conformity to, what is considered morally right or due. It also indicates a soundness of moral principle that no power or influence can impair.
PROWESS: (expertise & proficiency)
Having exceptional bravery and valor, as well as superior ability, skill, and strength; to seek out excellence in all one’s endeavors, as expected of a Knight, seeking strength and wisdom to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal empowerment.
JUSTICE: (fairness & impartiality)
Seek always the path of what is 'Right' or Just; that which is morally, legally, or ethically proper, unencumbered by bias or personal interest. The upholding of what is Just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, for we all make mistakes and the pure truth can bring pain. If the 'right' you seek agrees with others, and you seek it out without temptation of gain or profit, then you will rightly earn Honor and Renown beyond measure.
LOYALTY:
Faithfulness to ones commitments or obligations; and the faithful adherence to a friend, lover, government, leader, or cause. Being Loyal, one is known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you have chosen to live by.
DEFENSE:
Any means or method of protecting and defending the physical or ‘functional integrity’ of body, mind or soul, against attack, danger, insult or injury. The ideal Knight was Sworn by Oath, to defend (to his death if need be,) his liege Lord and his property, his nation, his family, and those to whom he believed worthy of his loyalty.
COURAGE:
The quality of mind and heart that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, or the unknown, without fear or cowardice; to show bravery. Being a Knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally costly one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the ideals and people you value. At the same time, a Knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are close cousins.
FAITH:
A Knight must have faith in his beliefs, such as a code of ethics, or standards of merit, because his faith grounds him and gives hope against the despair that human failings will create. But Guard your faith with your own wisdom, for following ungrounded faith, or the faith of others, without belief in it on your own, would be foolish.
HUMILITY:
The quality or condition of being humble; having a modest opinion of one's own importance or rank. A Knight should value first the contributions of others; Do not boast of your own accomplishments, as this is haughty or bragging, But rather, let your deeds speak for you and others will boast on your behalf; doing this carries much more weight. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown, rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of Knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of, but also all who call themselves Knights.
LARGESSE: (generosity)
To have the desire to do good toward others, showing goodwill; a display of charitableness and the generous bestowal of gifts, spirit and attitude. To be generous and giving in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.
NOBILITY:
This does not refer to being born of Noble blood, but rather, refers to Nobleness of mind, character, and spirit, and having exalted moral excellence. Seek great achievement of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a Knight, realizing that though some ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them, bestows nobility to ones character and spirit. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.
FRANCHISE:
The authorization to a Knight by his Liege, to earn wages from his services in a particular area. A Knight would offer his services for a fee, which was determined by the difficulty of the task and the wealth of the employer. For example, the Due given the Knight for ridding a Nobleman’s Castle of thieves would be much higher than capturing robbers of a poor Innkeeper. But income must be made, for being a Knight was an expensive profession. Much like a race car driver today needs the best equipment, the best parts, a crew to maintain them, etc; so too a Knight needed a strong and expensive horse, (often more than one) a stable to keep them in and stable hands, a skilled Armorer, a Squire, and more. His Armor and Sword generally cost more than most peasants made in their lifetime. (even with today’s steel and technology, a good suit of Armor runs between $8,000 - $12,000 and must be hand made and custom fit for the wearer, A proper Sword will cost $4,000-$10,000) So unless he worked for a Lord who paid his full expenses, which was rare, the Knight must do something to earn his own upkeep.
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So any good Knight should seek to emulate everything mentioned here as sincerely as possible and to the best of his ability, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is Honorable and the right thing to do. He should seek to infuse all of these qualities within every aspect of his life. Should he succeed at this in even a tiny measure, then he will be well remembered for his quality and virtue, and this is a goal all Knights would strive for.
And while we today, no longer wear Armor or carry Swords, the principles and ideals stated here, would better any man for trying to live by them and work them into our everyday lives. I, for one, can attest to the great feeling of pride and accomplishment when I can achieve any of these in some small fashion, and as stated above under Nobility, it is not the reaching of all these ideals that should matter, since to do so would require near perfection, but the quality of trying to strive towards them, bestows nobility and honor to ones character and a warm feeling of satisfaction to ones spirit. ~ Long Live the Knights.
‘Sir’ Kevin Altieri
