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
He sent Sir Gryfflette home so he could regain his health, even though he had a chance to finish the battle and kill the knight. 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). Another characteristic besides helpfulness was honor (Hubbard). Merlin says, "To win would bring you no honor, to lose would be to increase your shame" (Malory 76). Sir Gryfflette was weak, and he was just knighted that day, so Pellinore did the chivalrous action and helped him. In conclusion, the code of chivalry was expected to be followed by knights in the Medieval time period. The fight would not have been fair, so Arthur did not attempt to start the jousting match. ts strove for, but less specifically, a knight was expected to be courteous towards everyone. Honor was an important quality to the knights, and all the three knights in the story proved that the had this characteristic in specific situations. Finally, being skillful in battle was an important part of the code of chivalry. When King Pellinore was helping Gryfflette, he was not only helping someone who was weak, he was being honorable.
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