[DFT] The 21st Century Chivalric Ideal

[Seanan mac Tighearnain]

> The 21st Century Chivalric Ideal
> By Scott Farrell
> ©2002 Shining Armor Enterprises
>
> www.ChivalryToday.com
>
> In the year 1431 a writer by the name of Diaz de Gamez wrote a
> chronicle
> describing the life of the Castilian nobleman, Count Pero Nino. The
> chronicle was called "The Unconquered Knight." As part of this
> document,
> Gamez recorded his thoughts on the ideals of knighthood and the Code
> of
> Chivalry.
>
> Although portions of this essay are specific to medieval life, many of
>
> the writer's concepts of virtue and honor are just as appropriate
> today
> as they were in the 15th century. Here, then, is a slightly updated
> version of Gamez's "The Chivalric Ideal" for knights in shining armor
> of
> the 21st century:
>
> Now it is fitting that I should tell what it is to be a knight; what
> things are expected of a knight; and why someone who lives by the Code
>
> of Chivalry is worthy of great respect. Long ago, a knight was
> recognized as someone who rode upon a horse, rather than a mule or a
> donkey. A horse is strong and full of energy, and it represents the
> knight's willingness to serve others with courage and dedication. A
> knight mounted on a swift and trustworthy horse could accomplish more
> than a hundred could have done afoot. Such great endeavor is still
> possible for a man or woman who demonstrates the commitment of a
> knight
> in shining armor.
>
> What is expected of a good knight? That he or she should be noble and
> governed by the virtues of chivalry, but this means more than simply
> being strong and brave, for these qualities alone are rash and
> foolhardy. In addition, a knight in shining armor should demonstrate
> intelligence and prudence in all things. The knight should also pursue
>
> the cause of justice, but not to the exclusion of mercy and
> compassion.
> As well, a knight should have patience, endurance and tolerance
> without
> limit. All of these attributes should be bound up one with the other,
> for in order to be true to the Code of Chivalry, a knight who has one
> of
> these qualities must have them all, and a knight who lacks one lacks
> the
> others also.
>
> Why is a chivalrous knight worthy of respect? People who conduct
> themselves with a sense of chivalry bring honor and dignity to
> everyone
> around them, and they convey a sense of trust, reliability and
> security
> to their families, their friends and their community. When a knight in
>
> shining armor takes on an enterprise, no matter how great or small, he
>
> or she does so with a pledge of success and integrity. I tell you that
> a
> knight in shining armor who is guided by the Code of Chivalry can
> achieve great things, and inspires others to great achievements as
> well.
>
> = = = = = = = = = = =
>
> Need a quick dose of chivalry? Want to make a statement about the
> knightly virtues? There are dozens of new quotes regarding the Seven
> Knightly Virtues to be found in "Chivalry In Other Words" on the
> Chivalry Today website. Visit us today at www.ChivalryToday.com to
> enjoy
> them - or submit your favorite quote to share with other Chivalry
> Today
> visitors.
>
> = = = = = = = = = = =
>
> ***Readers are permitted and encouraged to pass this article along to
> other e-mail lists and on-line forums with all titles and attributions
>
> attached. All material copyright 2002 Scott Farrell and Shining Armor
> Enterprises. Visit us on-line to learn more about the Code of Chivalry
>
> in the modern world at www.ChivalryToday.com.***
>
> http://www.ChivalryToday.com/
>

---
-Lord Seanán mac Tighearnáin
-seanan @ elfsea.net
-Dragonsfire Tor, Elfsea, ANSTEORRA!



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