A true Knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger. - Phillip Sydney
Knights Code, the Soldiers under the Steel
As I've said many times before, the idea of a knight in shining armor is the very pinnacle of valor. When you think of a knight, you think of a hero, someone who lives for chivalry and pride. Glimmering and gleaming armor alone stands as an idea of what heroes should be, the sheen of the steel shows the degree of his valor. The notion is known to one and all, past and present. Many brave souls stood alongside this idea. Despite the association, there were many a soldier, knight and king who didn't. Some bought there way up, thinking money and a shiny suit could earn them the title of a hero. The idea of shining armor itself isn't always representative of courage, as torn and tarnished plating showed just as much bravery as an ivory glow, if not more. The actions of some men-at-arms questioned this idea, King Henry VIII wore an incredible suit, but would use it to partake in tournaments which he rigged to win. Some Kings would ride into battle in full gear with their armies, only to abandon the field once conflict began. When it comes to knights, however, they lived by a code. Does it still continue in moral values today? How does it relate to our cultures and day to day lives?
Knights' Code of Chivalry
- To fear God and maintain his Church
Knighthood and such orders were heavily influenced by the church, so speaking for today, this really depends on the person and what they believe in.
- To serve the liege lord in valor and faith
Serve your king, ruler, god, etc. in acts of valor! Once again, this really depends. Is the lord a good lord? Are you following a lord? Is there a lord to be followed? Taken outside the realms of monarchy, serving your leader might be the best modern example, whether it be in a nation or small group.
- To protect the weak and defenseless
This code can go for just about any conflict today. It's safe to say that there are plenty of good people defending those who can't defend themselves, so this aspect of the code still stands among heroes big or small today, and well beyond.
- To give succour to widows and orphans
To give succour, or assistance in times of great hardship or stress, is something we've all likely done at one point or another. Not just to widows or orphans, but to friends and relatives in their times of need. To be there for a friend, loved one, or even a stranger when they need a helping hand is a knightly act in and of itself.
- To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
Wanton, or an adjective to describe something as random in the way of being unprovoked, in offence can be found in the form of anger or violence on something or someone for no reason. Avoiding this notion altogether is knightly, and its part of the code that seems to have embedded itself into the common sense and moral values of good people all over.
- To live for honor and glory
This can extend beyond honor and glory in combat. Have you made a mark on the world, big or small, have you found some glory of your own in that light? For honor, do you act in kindness and generosity? These are just a few examples of ways to live for honor and glory, and each person can live like that in their own way.
- To despise pecuniary reward
This literally means to hate the idea of seeking a monetary reward. One might interpret this aspect of the code today as not accomplishing goals or helping others with an end goal of money alone in mind. To do something with one's life for more than just money.
- To fight for the welfare of all
To fight for fairness and the good of everyone. Justice not just for you or your friends, but for all!
- To obey those placed in authority
The same can be said here as for an earlier aspect of the code, it depends on the person and who is leading them, and if it's a leader worth following.
- To guard the honor of fellow knights
Stand with you fellow knight against all opposition! This can speak not just for knights, but for friends and family as well! Stand by your friends, and defend their honor as well as your own!
- To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
Another concept embedded into the minds of good people everywhere, to eschew, or abstain from, unfairness, meanness and deceit is another value most of us consider common sense.
- To keep faith
Though this aspect of the code obviously refers to religion, one might also be able to interpret is as keeping hope. To know that despite the odds, one can still make it through their hardships, seeing their goals through to the end, and maintaining hope and courage each step of the way.
- At all times speak the truth
Don't tell a lie, no matter what. A noble notion, but is it really possible never to tell a lie? In some cases, telling a lie is a negative, others its advantageous. Even for the knightliest of folk, this might be a hard notion to follow.
- To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
This can stand for just about any endeavor one might take on. It can be something as vast as going on a long and treacherous quest and marching on until the deed is done, or something small as making a project you've always wanted to make and seeing it through to the end. To finish what you've started is a knightly thing to do!
- To respect the honor of women
An important detail to chivalry itself, but one that can really stand for any person. To respect the honor of another and meet each new person with the respect they deserve, women included!
- Never refuse a challenge from and equal
Though we don't typically challenge each other to duels in these modern times, one can interpret this as never backing down or giving up. When you're challenged to anything, meet it with bravery and pride, even if you lose!
- Never to turn a back on a foe
In terms of combat or not, defending your honor is important to any knight. It doesn't have to be with your fists or a sword, but matching a foe and stopping their villainy is quite knightly indeed!
Knighthood and such orders were heavily influenced by the church, so speaking for today, this really depends on the person and what they believe in.
- To serve the liege lord in valor and faith
Serve your king, ruler, god, etc. in acts of valor! Once again, this really depends. Is the lord a good lord? Are you following a lord? Is there a lord to be followed? Taken outside the realms of monarchy, serving your leader might be the best modern example, whether it be in a nation or small group.
- To protect the weak and defenseless
This code can go for just about any conflict today. It's safe to say that there are plenty of good people defending those who can't defend themselves, so this aspect of the code still stands among heroes big or small today, and well beyond.
- To give succour to widows and orphans
To give succour, or assistance in times of great hardship or stress, is something we've all likely done at one point or another. Not just to widows or orphans, but to friends and relatives in their times of need. To be there for a friend, loved one, or even a stranger when they need a helping hand is a knightly act in and of itself.
- To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
Wanton, or an adjective to describe something as random in the way of being unprovoked, in offence can be found in the form of anger or violence on something or someone for no reason. Avoiding this notion altogether is knightly, and its part of the code that seems to have embedded itself into the common sense and moral values of good people all over.
- To live for honor and glory
This can extend beyond honor and glory in combat. Have you made a mark on the world, big or small, have you found some glory of your own in that light? For honor, do you act in kindness and generosity? These are just a few examples of ways to live for honor and glory, and each person can live like that in their own way.
- To despise pecuniary reward
This literally means to hate the idea of seeking a monetary reward. One might interpret this aspect of the code today as not accomplishing goals or helping others with an end goal of money alone in mind. To do something with one's life for more than just money.
- To fight for the welfare of all
To fight for fairness and the good of everyone. Justice not just for you or your friends, but for all!
- To obey those placed in authority
The same can be said here as for an earlier aspect of the code, it depends on the person and who is leading them, and if it's a leader worth following.
- To guard the honor of fellow knights
Stand with you fellow knight against all opposition! This can speak not just for knights, but for friends and family as well! Stand by your friends, and defend their honor as well as your own!
- To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
Another concept embedded into the minds of good people everywhere, to eschew, or abstain from, unfairness, meanness and deceit is another value most of us consider common sense.
- To keep faith
Though this aspect of the code obviously refers to religion, one might also be able to interpret is as keeping hope. To know that despite the odds, one can still make it through their hardships, seeing their goals through to the end, and maintaining hope and courage each step of the way.
- At all times speak the truth
Don't tell a lie, no matter what. A noble notion, but is it really possible never to tell a lie? In some cases, telling a lie is a negative, others its advantageous. Even for the knightliest of folk, this might be a hard notion to follow.
- To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
This can stand for just about any endeavor one might take on. It can be something as vast as going on a long and treacherous quest and marching on until the deed is done, or something small as making a project you've always wanted to make and seeing it through to the end. To finish what you've started is a knightly thing to do!
- To respect the honor of women
An important detail to chivalry itself, but one that can really stand for any person. To respect the honor of another and meet each new person with the respect they deserve, women included!
- Never refuse a challenge from and equal
Though we don't typically challenge each other to duels in these modern times, one can interpret this as never backing down or giving up. When you're challenged to anything, meet it with bravery and pride, even if you lose!
- Never to turn a back on a foe
In terms of combat or not, defending your honor is important to any knight. It doesn't have to be with your fists or a sword, but matching a foe and stopping their villainy is quite knightly indeed!