In modem times, the word “chivalry” is generally assumed to refer to men treating women with respect and courtesy, opening doors for them,pulling out chairs for them, and giving up their seats on buses and in crowded rooms. In medieval times, however, the term 1 transported a much richer meaning that underlay the expectations placed on aristocratic men. The word comes from the French word chevalier, which means “horseman.” In general, it referred to any man who could 2 spare enough change to arm himself and ride his own horse into battle 3 in other words, a knight. In those days very few men were able to do so, hence the 4 association between chivalry and the aristocracy.

Over time, what began as an idealization of knightly conduct during the Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries 5 developed into a complex system of ethics governing a knight’s behavior toward God, his lord, both his allies and his enemies, and women and children. The literature of the late middle ages, particularly the Arthurian legends, 6 electrified the imaginations of 7 quite a few peasants to love and believe in the ideal of the courtly knight. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written in the late 1300s, Sir Gawain displays an almost obsessive desire to 8 participate in the chivalric code. Other characters constantly reference his reputation as a knight known for both his 9 fantastic mind in battle and his excellent manners.

Raymond Lull’s 13th-century manual on chivalry specified the ethical expectations, rules,and instructions a knight should follow. He was to be a man of able body, good lineage, and wealth . He was to be in control of his abilities and his wealth, giving aid to those in need and protecting women and children. He was to be loyal to his lord, courageous in his defense, and a 10 savvy person. 11 Basically, he was to be a man of honor, who would stay true to his Christian faith and keep his word at all costs. These standards 12 effected the behavior of eminent medieval lords but don’t seem to have as much of an influence today .

This old notion of chivalry should not be a relic of the past. After all, honor, loyalty, humility, courage, and generosity are 13 relevant in all aspects of our increasingly global society. Perhaps the modern definition of chivalry should be 14 refreshed to incorporate its original meaning.