Gallant, brave, loyal and honourable. All characteristics that came to be associated with an idealised conception of the knight in the Middle Ages.
The average knight may not have lived up to such flawless standards, but the heroic archetype was popularised by medieval literature and folklore, with a code of proper knightly conduct known as “chivalry” developed towards the end of the 12th century. Here are six facts about medieval knights and chivalry.
1. Chivalry was an informal code
In other words, there was no set list of chivalrous rules recognised by all knights. However, according to the Song of Roland, an epic poem dating back to the 12th century, chivalry included the following vows:
Fear God and His Church
Serve the liege Lord in valour and faith
Protect the weak and defenceless
Live by honour and for glory
Respect the honour of women
