Code of Chivalry in Morte D'arthur and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Code of Chivalry: Loyalty to One’s Lord Great literature always reflects the prevailing ideas and values of the time and age in which it emerges. In the Middle Ages, when feudal society prevailed all over Europe, kings and barons were the elite who lived off their vast ownership of land, supported by knights and soldiers who helped them preserve order. In such a society, the code of chivalry with its core belief in unquestioned loyalty to one’s lord emerged as the social glue that held feudal society together. These values were heralded and perpetuated in popular stories such as those of kings and knights. This is why the actions of the characters in Morte d’Arthur and Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight highlight the important role the Code of Chivalry played in Medieval society.
The Code of Chivalry can be most clearly defined by the value of loyalty to one’s lord. In
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain accepts the Green Knight’s challenge to strike at the looming figure’s head and then meet again in a year to have his head swung at by the Green
Knight. He does this so that King Arthur, who had previously consented, would not have to risk his life. Sir Gawain says, “My body, but for your blood, is barren for worth; And for that this folly befits not a king, And ‘tis I that have asked it, it ought to be mine, And if my claim be not comely let all this court judge in sight (Borroff 174).” Sir Gawain respects the duties to serve and protect his lord when all of his fellow knights are too afraid.
Similarly in Morte d’Arthur, Sir Lucan, another brave knight, displays unwavering loyalty towards King Arthur. After fighting a gruesome battle alongside his lord, Sir Lucan carries his dying lord while he himself is fatally injured. Sir Lucan ignores his pain and suffering to perform his duties to the best of his ability. He demands no care or attention and requires no
pity or praise. On page 96 the text illustrates, “Sir Lucan
Green Knight highlight the important role the Code of Chivalry played in Medieval society.
The Code of Chivalry can be most clearly defined by the value of loyalty to one’s lord. In
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain accepts the Green Knight’s challenge to strike at the looming figure’s head and then meet again in a year to have his head swung at by the Green
Knight. He does this so that King Arthur, who had previously consented, would not have to risk his life. Sir Gawain says, “My body, but for your blood, is barren for worth; And for that this folly befits not a king, And ‘tis I that have asked it, it ought to be mine, And if my claim be not comely let all this court judge in sight (Borroff 174).” Sir Gawain respects the duties to serve and protect his lord when all of his fellow knights are too afraid.
Similarly in Morte d’Arthur, Sir Lucan, another brave knight, displays unwavering loyalty towards King Arthur. After fighting a gruesome battle alongside his lord, Sir Lucan carries his dying lord while he himself is fatally injured. Sir Lucan ignores his pain and suffering to perform his duties to the best of his ability. He demands no care or attention and requires no
pity or praise. On page 96 the text illustrates, “Sir Lucan