Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry

By , Tahir Brandon Riggins

Knighthood Knighthood was based on the code of chivalry. The Code of Chivalry was a behavioral code

for the knights. Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry

originated back into the ninth and tenth centuries and then moved up into the middle ages.

During the Renaissance in the sixteenth century ,chivalry was influenced the behavior for gentlemen and their nobility.

Code of Chivalry Two main sections:Horse mounted Chivalry was combat to

protect their territory from foreign invaders.

Feudalism which is the political aspect of Chivalry and has to do with their government.

Code of Chivalry Horse- mounted chivalry Feudalism

Code of Chivalry Throughout the period of the middle ages

the Chivalry Code changed numerous times.

It made it more strict and the churches were involved.

The church created rules such as The Peace of God which forbade knights from attacking women, priest, and merchants.

The Truce of God said that knights must not battle on Sunday & Holy days.

Where knights were located

Becoming a knight Teenagers who wanted to become a

knight would work in veterans knights house.

They would learn the skills they need to become a successful knight.

If they passed or the knight saw it fit to make him a knight , he would be dubbed with a sword by the royal family or one of the veteran knights.

The 3 Stages in becoming a Knight

The first stage in becoming a knight is a page at seven years old a page will do house chores in the house of a lord. A page will also learn how to serve, act in a noble court, ride a horse, hunt , speak languages, and if lucky learn how to read.

The second stage begins in the teenage years of his life. In this stage he will learn how to dress like a knight, take care of armor, weapons, and horses. He begins weapons training and learns how to prove himself worthy of a knight.

The third and final stage of knighthood is the knight and this is where the knight participates in the ceremony known as the Accolade. A knight, lord or a monarch touches the left than right shoulder of the squire. They will then say “ Rise , Sir------------”. After that they ceremony is followed with prayer, fasting or a courageous act on the battlefield.

Knighthood The best way for a knight to prove himself is

in a joust. Knights are still being brought into

knighthood today in England and one of them is Paul McCartney of the Beatles. Also known as Sir Paul!.

The Accolade vs. The Joust

The young Knight

Chivalry Code Knighthood depended mostly on the

Code of Chivalry, which is a system of ethical ideals that grew out of feudalism and into the churches.

The Ten Commandments of the Chivalry Code.

Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions.

Thou shalt defend the Church. Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the

defender of them. Thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy. Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and

without mercy. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not

contrary to the laws of God. Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word. Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right

and the Good against Injustice and Evil.