Medieval Time Period: Chivalry

In the medieval time period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. Chivalry is a "knightly skill" or "qualities of and ideal knight." In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, courtly love is used to test the loyalty and faith of Sir Gawain. Courtly love is "a code of behavior between lovers." Sir Lancelot's acts of loyalty and bravery were also tested in Le Morte d' Arthur. King Arthur's chivalrous acts were tested as well.

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain shows loyalty to his lord by taking the challenge of the Green Knight after King Arthur foolishly accepted the challenge. "Then Gawain, at Guinevere's side, Made to the King a sign: 'I beseech you, Sire,' he said, 'Let this game be mine.' " Because Gawain knows it can be humiliating for the King to get into the ax fight and lose, Gawain saves him.

English: Temptation of Sir Gawain by Lady Bercilak...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

English: "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", from t...

This act of protecting the King's reputation is also an act of chivalry. Judging by this situation, Gawain really shows he is chivalrous.

Sir Launcelot's acts of loyalty, bravery, and loyalty to King Arthur were tested in Le Morte d' Arthur. Sir Lancelot had to do battle with one of the King's "own blood." He proved his loyalty to the King many times, especially when he went to the King asking for his permission to fight Gawain. He said "My lord, King Arthur, it is with a heavy heart that I set forth to do battle with one of your own blood. . ."

King Arthur also showed chivalry in Le Morte d' Arthur, when Sir Modred and King Arthur were to fight; Arthur was told that if he fought Modred, Arthur would die. Regardless, Arthur fought Modred. He knew his army was smaller but...