Knights Code of Chivalry dating back to the Dark Ages
The Knights Code of Chivalry was part of the culture of the Middle Ages and was understood by all. A Code of Chivalry was documented in ‘The Song of Roland’ in the Middle Ages Knights period of William the Conqueror who ruled England from 1066. The ‘Song of Roland’ describes the 8th century Knights of the Dark Ages and the battles fought by the Emperor Charlemagne. The code has since been described as Charlemagne’s Code of Chivalry. The ideals described in the Code of Chivalry were emphasized by the oaths and vows that were sworn in the Knighthood ceremonies of the Middle Ages and Medieval era. These sacred oaths of combat were combined with the ideals of chivalry and with strict rules of etiquette and conduct.
The Knights Code of Chivalry (and the vows of Knighthood) described in the Song of Roland and an excellent representation of the Knights Codes of Chivalry are as follows:
1. To fear God and maintain His Church
2. To serve the liege lord in valor and faith Liege = having the right to feudal allegiance or service
3. To protect the weak and defenseless
4. To give succor to widows and orphans Succor = help
5. To refrain from the wanton giving of offence Wanton = uncontrolled
6. To live by honor and for glory
7. To despise pecuniary reward Pecuniary = financial
8. To fight for the welfare of all
9. To obey those placed in authority
10. To guard the honor of fellow knights
11. To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit Eschew = avoid
12. To keep faith
13. At all times to speak the truth
14. To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun Persevere = continue
15. To respect the honor of women
16. Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
17. Never to turn the back upon a foe Foe = enemy
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