Chivalry facts for kids
Chivalry is a special word from the Middle Ages. It first meant things about horses and knights. Think of brave knights riding into battle! Later, it also meant being very honourable and showing great respect. Today, when we say someone is "chivalrous," it means they are polite and kind. It often describes how men act towards women, like opening doors or being respectful.
Contents
What is Chivalry?
Chivalry was a set of rules and ideas. It guided how knights and noblemen should behave. These rules were very important in medieval Europe. They covered everything from fighting to manners.
The Knight's Code
Knights followed a special code. This code was not written down in one place. Instead, it was a mix of customs and expectations. It taught knights to be brave and loyal. They also learned to protect the weak.
Being Brave and Loyal
A knight's first duty was to be brave. They had to face danger without fear. Loyalty was also key. Knights were loyal to their lord or king. They were also loyal to their fellow knights.
Protecting the Weak
Chivalry taught knights to protect those who could not protect themselves. This included women, children, and the poor. A true knight would stand up for justice. They would fight against unfairness.
Honour and Courtesy
Honour was very important for a knight. They had to keep their promises. They also had to be truthful. Courtesy meant being polite and respectful. This applied to everyone, even enemies.
Chivalry in Stories
Many famous stories are about chivalry. Tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are good examples. These stories show knights going on quests. They fight dragons and rescue people. These tales helped spread the ideas of chivalry.
Famous Knights
- Sir Lancelot: Known for his bravery and skill.
- Sir Galahad: Famous for his purity and search for the Holy Grail.
- Sir Gawain: Valued for his loyalty and honesty.
Chivalry Today
The world has changed a lot since the Middle Ages. But some ideas from chivalry are still around. We might not have knights in shining armor. But we still value kindness and respect.
Modern Courtesy
Today, "chivalrous" often means being polite. It can mean opening a door for someone. Or offering help when needed. It's about showing good manners to everyone.
Respect for Others
The core idea of chivalry was respect. Respect for yourself, for others, and for justice. This idea is still very important today. Being respectful makes the world a better place.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Konrad von Limpurg as a knight being armed by his lady in the Codex Manesse (early 14th century)
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God Speed by English artist Edmund Leighton, 1900: depicting an armoured knight departing for war and leaving his beloved
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Reconstruction of a Roman cavalryman (eques)
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Knights of Christ by Jan van Eyck
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Depiction of chivalric ideals in Romanticism (Stitching the Standard by Edmund Blair Leighton: the lady prepares for a knight to go to war)
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See also
In Spanish: Caballería medieval para niños
