Values and Lifestyles of Arthurian Legend

A detailed Summary of Values and Lifestyles of Arthurian Legend

In the Medieval Period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. In Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, a number of characters performed chivalrous acts to achieve the status of an ideal knight (Minick). Their characteristics of respect for women and courtesy for all, helpfulness to the weak, honor, and skill in battle made the characters King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette examples of a what knights strove to be like in Medieval society. Because of the examples of chivalry, Le Morte d'Arthur showed what a knight desired to be, so he could improve the world in which he lived (Malory).

Respect for women and courtesy were two major characteristics that knights longed to develop, and King Arthur was able to demonstrate them in two specific instances. Arthur showed great respect for the Lady of the Lake. Merlin, the magician who guided Arthur as he grew to be a legendary knight advised him to "address her courteously, and do as she directed" (Malory 75). Arthur spoke very politely and she gave him the famous sword, Excaliber. In his respect for the lady, he also promised to give he any gift she wants because she presented him with the sword. Respectfulness to women was one quality knigh

Hubbard, L. Notes on The Middle Ages. Statesboro High School, Statesboro. 2000.

onsiderate behavior because even though he was angry, he was polite and allowed them to leave safely. The warning also showed his courtesy because he could have not told them in anticipation of their return in order to kill them because of their disagreement. These two examples of King Arthur's respect for the Lady of the Lake and the Roman ambassadors made him a model knight since he was obeying the code of chivalry.

Finally, being skillful in battle was an important part of the code of chivalry. King Arthur thought that Pellinore "was a magnificent fighter" (Malory 75). Arthur even said that he would have rather been killed than have had the unfair advantage that Merlin's magic gave him because Pellinore deserved to win with his great battle skills (Malory 75). The praise that Arthur gave King Pellinore proved that being skillful in battle was respected by other knights and important in the code of knighthood.

Malory, Sir Thomas. Le Morte d'Arthur. n.p. : Modern Library, 1999.

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In conclusion, the code of chivalry was expected to be followed by knights in the Medieval time period. This code made the world full of elaborate courtesy and knights trying to make their society the best they could through fairness and respect (Hubbard). In Le Morte d'Arthur, the characters demonstrated t

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Category: History