![]() ![]() The traditional concept of chivalry associated with knighthood began to fade away during the Tudor Rule till Queen Elizabeth I finally put an end to it by making it exclusively the preserve of the monarch. Among all the familiar aspects of chivalry, the most notable is the duties of knights towards women which often contained what is generally known as their display of ‘courtly love.’ The knights displayed utmost gentleness and graciousness to all women. They were free of vices, displayed heroic courage whenever the situation demanded, and as noted by Mills and Gautier, the knights always abided by virtues like loyalty, forbearance, liberality, hardihood, and honour. These men reflected a kind of devotion to women and to honour. The term ‘chivalry’ is derived from the French word, chevalerie which roughly translates to ‘horse soldiery.’ The knights were basically men of high ranks who were equipped with military training, swordsmanship, and high ideals. These codes provided a peep into the characters and lives of gentlewomen and gentlemen (mainly knights) during the Medieval Age, and were basically popularized by Geoffrey of Monmouth who in his famous work, Historia Regum Britanniae popularized the legend of King Arthur. In such a scenario, the question arises, ‘ Why do women expect chivalry from men?’ If the ideals of feminism propagate equality between the two sexes in all the spheres of life, why do women expect men to get down on their knees and maintain a chivalrous code of conduct in front of them? In this article, I have tried to explore the meaning of Chivalry in the present time, and have also tried to assert the need for it in the contemporary masculine/feminine dynamic.Ĭhivalry is basically an informal code of conduct that was developed between 11 and reflected on the medieval institution of knighthood. She wants appreciation too, and she definitely cannot confine herself to the four walls of her house. The woman in the contemporary time, however, wants to go out. The role of these women was confined to look beautiful, maintain the house, and wait for the knights, so that when they come back, get on their knees, and present before them the ‘war trophies,’ they would accept these tokens gracefully, displaying utmost admiration and respect. Simultaneously, they spent their time waiting for the arrival of their ‘heroes,’ praying for their safety, and for the goodwill of their own kingdom. These women used to spend their time doing the household chores, and by engaging themselves in hobbies like, stitching clothes, painting, and gardening. These ladies used to dress themselves in the finest silks and satins, their hair always done, their lips the colour of ruby, their faces all dented and painted. While these noble men fought in the wars, the ladies used to wait inside the castles for their safe arrival. In the Middle Ages, the knights used to go on adventures, slaying dragons, exploring places, winning titles, all in the name of their kings. ![]() Image Source: Is Chivalry Dead When Dating Men? | Glamour
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