I was looking for something on the golden age of chivalry. My sons want (are being forced to) study it this summer, as well as manners and ettiquette... I figure with these three lessons, respect for self and others should fall naturally in line. If not, I am prepared with classes for that as well.

So I searched for the age of chivalry on google, hoping to get a basic idea of where to look and maybe some book titles and such. Here is some of what I found.  I thought you all might like to see it.

I have basically learned that there was no official code of conduct, more of a society ideal to up hold. But these are neat anyway, and I am teaching them to the boys.

 This is from Dragon heart... it was posted on a fan site... it is a favorite of my boys.. so I included it. It is the full code from the special features I think... but it was neat all the same.(http://www.mrcranky.com/movies/dragonheart/42/0.html)

"Inside the table`s circle, Under the sacred sword, A knight must vow to follow The code that is unending, Unending as the table- A ring by honor bound.

A knight is sworn to valor.
His heart knows only virtue.
His blade defends the helpless.
His might upholds the weak.
His word speaks only truth.
His wrath undoes the wicked.

The right can never die,
If one man still recalls.

The words are not forgot,
If one voice speaks them clear.

The code forever shines,
If one heart holds it bright."

This I found on a modern site that researched the same thing and compiled and modernized the ideals and every code he could find in literature. (http://www.chronique.com/Library/Chivalry/code.htm)

Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.

Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.

Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.

Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.

Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.

Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.

Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.

Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.

Franchise: Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

 And of course, you have to have Mallory... (http://everything2.com/e2node/The%2520Knights%2527%2520Code%2520Of%2520Chivalry)

The Knights' code of chivalry, according to Sir Thomas Malory (This is specified for the knights of the round table):

• To never do outrage nor murder
• Always to flee treason
• To by no means be cruel but to give mercy unto him who asks for mercy
• To always do ladies, gentlewomen and widows succor
• To never force ladies, gentlewomen or widows
• Not to take up battles in wrongful quarrels for love or worldly goods

"Sir Thomas Malory: Le morte D'Arthur"

Upon this covenant could you become a member of the round table, with, of course, the approval of the King.

The round table knew two kings (two kings who "were in command of it", so to speak. There were other kings though, who served as knights at the court of King arthur. For example: King pellinore): King Arthur and King Leodegrance (who was the father of queen guenevere).
King Constantine, who ruled after Arthur's death (=Le morte D'arthur), was not given the round table because it simply did not exist anymore. It had fallen apart during the quest for the Holy Sangreal (Holy Grail), because of the many knights that died during their travels in search of the Grail.

 And from the Song of Roland... (I am not sure at this late hour if I actually know this one, but it sounds so familiar.) (http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/knights-code-of-chivalry.htm)

The Knights Code of Chivalry and the vows of Knighthood
The Knights Code of Chivalry described in the Song of Roland and an excellent representation of the Knights Codes of Chivalry are as follows:

• To fear God and maintain His Church

• To serve the liege lord in valour and faith

• To protect the weak and defenceless

• To give succour to widows and orphans

• To refrain from the wanton giving of offence

• To live by honour and for glory

• To despise pecuniary reward

• To fight for the welfare of all

• To obey those placed in authority

• To guard the honour of fellow knights

• To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit

• To keep faith

• At all times to speak the truth

• To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun

• To respect the honour of women

• Never to refuse a challenge from an equal

• Never to turn the back upon a foe

Of the seventeen entries in the Knights Codes of Chivalry, according to the Song of Roland, at least 12 relate to acts of chivalry as opposed to combat.

So, that is what I found, let me know what you think... Have a good night.

I just found this site. It was shown to me by a good friend. So, I thought I would join up and see the coolness.

I have been in the society for nearly 15 years. I have taken some time away to gain perspective and am now ready to rejoin the SCA and make a fresh start. I love eventing and An Tir and am looking forward to a couple more events this year. (Starting back slow)

I guess that is it for the first blog. See you all out there. Love and Blessings

In Service,

Aislynn