Bellatores

Knightly Values

Any one knight was, like any other human, a unique individual. Nevertheless, knights tended to share common beliefs and values, subscribing to ideals even as they ignored them in specific instances.

As a starting point for understanding medieval knights, I follow Sidney Painter and give six words as key elements in the value system of the bellatores. They are not in order of importance.

Prowess

A knight had to fight well. This meant having the ability to accomplish all sorts of physical feats, plus having a knowledge of arms and armor.

Honor

The honor of a knight was of great importance to him, to be furthered when possible and defended when necessary.

Liberality

Gentilesse is reared in the house of largesse.

Glory

Glory and plunder were the prizes of battle, and every knight sought them.

Loyalty

Fealty was paramount, and oath-breaking the worst form of behavior. A true knight was the one who stayed true, to his lord, his church and his word.

Courtesy

Courtesy meant manners, after a fashion, but it applied only to relations between members of the nobility.