What Is Chivalry and Romantic Ideals

Our popular understanding of the Middle Ages—with visions of damsels in distress and knights in shining armor—is dominated by the romantic ideals associated with chivalry. Chivalry first developed as a code of honor that emphasized bravery, loyalty, and generosity for knights at war in the 11th and 12th centuries.

What are chivalry ideals?

The Code of Chivalry was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct – qualities idealized by the Medieval knights such as bravery, courtesy, honor and great gallantry toward women. The Codes of chivalry also incorporated the notion of courtly love.

What is an example of chivalry?

Chivalry is defined as a quality held by knights and gentlemen offering courage, honor and protection to women. A man who stands in front of his wife and child during a robbery is an example of chivalry. A man opening his date’s car door for her to get out is an example of chivalry.