Completely immersed in the idea of chivalry from the earliest days of childhood, the demands of chivalry lived and breathed within each knight. Each story he heard, every song he sang emanated the rules of the ethic (86). Loyalty stood foremost among the requirements. A man was expected to keep his word, never betraying his "sworn faith" (86). But such an expectation was not always the truth, as the knight measured his loyalty "according to a strict hierarchical framework" (86). Should loyalties conflict, the knight first remained loyal to those closet to him politically. Faith owed to more distant allies proved rather flexible when eclipsed by stronger ties (86). With this hierarchical loyalty, no one could take offense at being displaced by a closer commitment (86).

The knights of old also focused on the virtue largesse-generosity-for the nobility was "nurtured within the house of generosity" (87). Duby states that a "knight [owed] it to himself to keep nothing in his hands," indicating the extent of a knight's generosity (87). These warriors did not need to strive for possessions, because the greatest honor they could receive was that they "spread [their] riches in abundance" (87).

As well as considering loyalty, the warriors of the past emphasized the champion. Such a man has valor but also commands admiration, for he would do battle and triumph, while still "conforming to certain laws" (86). Duby states that "the champion [sought] no other protection than the expertise of this charger, the quality of his armor, and the devotion of comrades of his own rank whose friendship [sustained] him" (87). These knights would not sink to scheming and cunning to defeat an enemy, but would stand and face him honorably on even ground such that the better man should prevail.

Unfortunately, in our society, loyalty is not the pinnacle of the pyramid of ethics as it was in days gone by. One loyalty stands above such external loyalties: loyalty to self. Yes, the hierarchy still exists, but ego maintains the right of way. One must be loyal to oneself. Only after a man's loyalty to himself is concrete, can he concern himself with his ties to another man. Beyond the pedestal, allies do not realize a further priority; instead, they allow themselves to be offended by any deceit. Because every person sees himself first when he thinks of loyalty, he takes offense when any other person is respected above himself. How confused would the knights of old be if they saw each man fight first and primarily for himself?

The ethic of chivalry required equality and openness on the battlefield, but does society still emphasize this equality? Today's powers seek the surprise attack. Men strive at all times to remain one step ahead of the enem

Some common words found in the essay are:
Flower Chivalry, Regime Society, Pentagon September, Despite American, Red Cross, Militarily Americans, Fairytales Slaying, United Britain, remain loyal, concern themselves, generosity 87, female's wishes, stereotypical fairytale,
Approximate Word count = 1334
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)