The chivalric code: origins, values, and decline in medieval Europe

Chivalric Code refers to the code of behavior followed by the Medieval Knights in Europe during the middle ages. This code of behavior required a knight to display the highest standards of virtue such as courage, honor, justice, truthfulness, loyalty, protection of the weak, defense of the Church and reverence womanhood. Later, the influence of Christianity and courtly love broadened the chivalric code to include religious piety and refined social manners. The religious influence dictated that knights should fight for glory and Christian purposes and not for mere profit or gain. Courtly love required that a knight should woo a married or betrothed woman at court and try to win her favor by engaging in elaborate rituals. It encouraged the knights to acquire knowledge of fine arts such as song and poetry in addition to the skills of warfare.

The development of the chivalric code is closely linked to feudalism -- the political and military relationship that existed among members of the European nobility during the Middle Ages. Chivalric code's link with feudalism can be traced to the 9th and 10th centuries when the armies of Western Europe consisting of foot soldiers came under attack from the Muslims armies who fought on horseback. To counter the fast moving armies, some European nobles started fighting on horseback too. Since maintenance of horses was expensive and cavalry training difficult, the feudal lords or kings began to grant land to the mounted warriors called 'knights.' The knights were expected to provide military service to the feudal lords in exchange for the land provided to them. The unwritten 'contract' between the knights and the kings / feudal lords was based on the principles of bravery and loyalty.