-
Essay / The concept of chivalry and its existence in modern times
While chivalry was characterized as an ethical and religious social code of noble and courteous conduct in medieval times, it changed over time to become something something less formal but still very relevant. The origin of chivalry “derives from the Old French chivalrie, which loosely translates to horse soldier. Initially, the term referred only to men on horseback due to the term horse translating the word horse, but later it evolved to refer to acts of chivalry. The definition of chivalry can also be found in the Code of Chivalry. The Code of Chivalry was a moral system created to characterize knights as honorable. Not only were they expected to be brave and fearless, but they were also expected to be kind to all women and children. Chivalry in medieval times had a very strict definition. It was so strict that it had its own codes that must be followed to be chivalrous. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay In the story, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf can be described as the definition of chivalry. In history, he followed the Code of Chivalry to the best of his ability. He showed many heroic traits and presented himself as a hero. For example, “Thus Beowulf behaved valiantly; he was formidable in combat but behaved with honor and took no advantage of it.” This quote in the text demonstrates that even while fighting for his life, he remained a chivalrous individual. In the story, Beowulf is described in the highest regard as a hero. A Danish coast guard said: "Nor have I seen a more powerful man-at-arms on this earth than the one who stands here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble." This is no mere parasite in a hero's armor. Beowulf's character as a hero is obvious to the Danish Coast Guard just by looking at him. Beowulf, although not a perfect person, is a very chivalrous person and a hero through and through. Chivalry is the code of respect perceived by knights in the Middle Ages. Knights must act decently towards each other by observing certain principles. In general, knights were relied upon to serve God, protect the weak and honest, and be courageous and just in conflict. Although the story of Beowulf originated before the ideas of chivalry created in the Middle Ages, Beowulf displays these characteristics throughout the epic. poem. In his efforts to spare Herot from Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. Beowulf displayed chivalry in almost all of his actions. An example of this is when Beowulf defeats the dragon. Beowulf says, “I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to fight the dragon and boast as I did against Grendel in the past. But I will encounter molten venom in the fire he breathes, so I go out in chain mail and with a shield. This quote shows how honorable Beowulf is in a fight. He makes it clear to readers that he does not want to enter into a fight with advantages. Beowulf wants to win fights honorably, which shows that Beowulf is chivalrous. Another example of Beowulf's chivalrous bravery is when he finally defeats the dragon. “Inspired again by the idea of glory, the warking threw all his strength behind a sword stroke and joined with the skull.” This quote shows how even in Beowulf's weakest moments, where he dies from a deadly wound filled with poison, he has the strength to kill the dragon..