#FRANCHISE CHIVALRY CODE CODE#

More than just a safety net in times of tragedy, hope is present every day in a modern knight’s positive outlook and cheerful demeanor - the shining armor that shields him or her, and inspires people all around.Įach of these concepts is important in itself, and every one of these virtues is an admirable quality, but when all of them blend together in one person, we discover the value, and power, of chivalry today.

#FRANCHISE CHIVALRY CODE CODE#

In the code of chivalry, “faith” means trust and integrity, and a knight in shining armor is always faithful to his or her promises, no matter how big or small they may be.Īlthough this word is sometimes confused with “entitlement” or “snobbishness,” in the code of chivalry it conveys the importance of upholding one’s convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching. Sharing what’s valuable in life means not just giving away material goods, but also time, attention, wisdom and energy - the things that create a strong, rich and diverse community. Words and attitudes can be painful weapons in the modern world, which is why a knight in shining armor exercises mercy in his or her dealings with others, creating a sense of peace and community, rather than engendering hostility and antagonism. More than bravado or bluster, today’s knight in shining armor must have the courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved.Ī knight in shining armor holds him- or herself to the highest standard of behavior, and knows that “fudging” on the little rules weakens the fabric of society for everyone. By combining these, we have created what we consider to be the seven knightly virtues of the modern code of chivalry: There were, however, several common themes found in these lists of knightly virtues. (And if you’ve read some version of a “true code of chivalry” on the Net or in a book somewhere, rest assured it was written sometime long after the Age of Chivalry was past.) Many people - from successful knights to contemplative philosophers - compiled lists of virtuous qualities, called the “knightly virtues,” which they felt defined chivalry.

The spurs represented courage, and when a young man was knighted, it was sometimes said he had “won his spurs.” (The spur pictured belonged to a German knight of the 16th century.)Īlthough we often refer to the “code of chivalry,” in truth, there was no such thing as a uniform code of knightly behavior and attitude in the Middle Ages. Essential elements of today’s code of chivalry All of a knight’s virtues were symbolized by the equipment he used, and perhaps nothing was more symbolic than the knight’s spurs.

Franchise chivalry code