What is chivalry? The word “chivalry” may have several connotations in our minds.

The idea of chivalry is closely associated with chivalrous codes of the behavior that knights and gentlemen ought to exhibit in social relationships with other noble people. Cultural norms of the chivalric code of conduct were established in the circles of noble people in medieval Europe approximately between 1170 and 1220.

The word “chivalry” is derived from the French word for horse – “cheval.” The term “chivalry” itself came from the Old French word “chevalerie,” which means “horse soldiery.” Originally referring only to horse-mounted men, it later became associated with knightly ideals.

The medieval European code of chivalry had its origins in earlier centuries. Yet, medieval literature and the people of the literary cycles of that time popularized chivalric ideals. Over time, its meaning in Europe has changed to focus on more general social and moral qualities.

Chivalry became an important part of the art of courtly love that developed during those times in the south of France (Karandashev, 2017).

Let us look at how Henry Finck portrayed the militant and comic facets of chivalry (Finck, 1887/2019).

Here are some of his interesting descriptions. As he wrote,

When Did the Flowers of Love Bloom?

There was one sunny oasis in the howling wilderness of mediaeval masculine brutality and feminine degradation where the flowers of love were allowed to grow undisturbed for a few generations. It was until military ambition trod them underfoot again. The period of chivalry referred to this brief period of gentler manners.

Since the 5th century, ardent devotion to the Virgin Mary had been growing. Later, this adoration extended to the entire female sex, or at least its nobler representatives. This was the mission that the knights and poets of chivalrous times took on.

The Controversies of Chivalry

According to Henry Finck, chivalry was frequently a mixture of clownishness and licentiousness. And its practice was much less refined than its theory. Henry noted that, contrary to those historians who have sung its praises, others have questioned whether its influence was generally positive or negative. On the one hand, the knights did swear to protect widows and orphans, as well as to respect and honor ladies. On the other hand, when they took cities or stormed castles, women were subjected to the most brutal treatment.

What Motivated Men’s Chivalry?

To understand this inconsistency, Henry Finck proposed a distinction between two types of chivalry: militant and poetic. In the militant type of knight-errantry, men had less of a desire to help women and more of a desire to satisfy their silly masculine vanity. The ideas of war thoroughly imbued their medieval minds. So, these knights could not conceive of love except in military guise.

Therefore, they rode around the country in search of adventure, ostensibly in the service of an adored mistress. However, really, they looked for an outlet for their pent-up military energy and ambition in times of peace.

The famous tales of medieval chivalry

Here are two interesting tales of chivalry from the Middle Ages. One is the Spanish tale of Don Quixote, and the other one is the German story of Ulrich von Lichtenstein.

These two, and other magnificent love stories of medieval times, illustrate how the concept of chivalry gave rise to the gallantry of courtly love. The culture of courtly love has been widely regarded as one of the most romantic innovations of medieval times.