Analysis of Chivalry Code in Beowulf and Lanval Poems

An important theme found throughout Beowulf and Lanval is the role of “hero”. It is the leading theme for both texts and is very crucial to the understanding of the texts. The warrior code was a crucial aspect that warriors must have acquired in Beowulf along with the code of chivalry in Lanval. It is very alike in both poems in the way that they must be loyal to their king, lord, and/or lover. Although it is very similar, they are also both different. In Beowulf, he was mainly devoted to his king and kin. On the contrary, Lanval was devoted to his king but also devoted to his partner. They both show a great deal of heroism.

The respectable behavior and ways have ruled the Anglo-Saxon culture. Valor, bravery and the will to battle were viewed as essential standards of the warrior code. This includes more than physical traits. It additionally implies that the warrior must satisfy his commitments to the gathering of which he is an important member of. Beowulf adheres to these standards from the first starting point as he goes over the Danes. He battles against Grendel and slaughters him, promising that he will 'settle the result in single battle.' These words appear again when he goes to discover Grendel's mom. When he gets older, he demonstrates his valiance again when battling the last enemy, the dragon. Beowulf states “ For all these treasures, I offer thanks / with these words to the eternal lord, King of Glory, for what I gaze upon here, / that I was able to acquire such wealth / for my people before my death-day”. Beowulf turns into a mythical serpent slayer yet at the expense of his own life. Beowulf doesn't abandon his people, even at the end, as an elderly person he goes to fight the monstrous dragon. Beowulf’s king did not even have to call Beowulf to go to battle, he took it upon himself to do so. In an article about Beowulf’s warrior code, it is mentioned that “Heroic strength, it should be noted here, is considered a gift of God whether it is abused or rightly used,” This warrior code goes on until Beowulf's death. Heroism is the glorification of the warrior code. This first appearance of Beowulf in the poem demonstrates him to be a commendable representative of that code. The hero is valiant, strong, respectable, and brave, a mighty individual and loyal to his ruler Hygelac. What's more, he is on the caution for wrongs to be corrected. From the minute Beowulf finds out about Grendel, the audience would normally assume that the hero would soon battle the monster. No warrior compares to Beowulf, he has all the qualities a great warrior that follows the warrior code would.

In addition, during the medieval times the code of chivalry was a big quality warriors had to obtain. Lanval has many chivalric qualities including generosity, honesty, and loyalty. He was not like any other warrior. Lanval was dedicated to his ruler but in addition, also loyal to his lover. In an article about medieval chivalry, the author mentions “ chivalry is but a term to express the spirit and general disposition of the mind which belong to the generous and heroic part of Nanking in all ages of the world,” Lanval was known to be generous with everything he had. In Lanval, the author wrote “Lanval gave rich gifts / Lanval ransomed prisoners / Lanval clothed minstrels / Lanval did great honor” showing the reader that he was a generous warrior who did not care about who asked for his help, he was always there to lend a hand. Generosity is a huge aspect in the chivalric code. He was always there for whoever needed him, even if they were a stranger to him. Also, Lanval comes across a lady that requests for their love to be a secret between them both . She says 'no man but you will see me / or hear my words' and Lanval consents to comply with her promise, being faithful to his lady and following the code of chivalry. At that point Queen Guenevere attempts to entice him however he rejects her and offends her fair to protect his significant other. This shows that Lanval is following the chivalric code by being faithful to his lover. Although, he is being chivalrous, he is also breaking the code of chivalry. He disrespects the queen and in the code of chivalry it is required that a warrior respect his Queen, Lanval does the opposite by rejecting her. Lanval tells the queen “any one of those who serve her / even the poorest maid / is worth more than you, lady queen,” he disrespected her in no way that a warrior ever should disrespect his Queen. She goes to her chamber crying and full of anger. He defends his woman but at the same time breaks the promise he made to her by outing their hidden love and disrespect the Queen.

All in all, “Heroism” is found all throughout both Lanval and Beowulf. It is the main topic for the two messages and is vital to the comprehension of the writings. The chivalry code was a important set of rules that warriors needed to obtain in Beowulf alongside the code of chivalry in Lanval. It is extremely similar in the two texts in the manner in which that they should be faithful to their ruler, master, and also significant other. In spite of the fact that it is greatly similar, they are also both unique in their own way. In Beowulf, he was for the most part committed to his ruler and family. While Lanval was committed to his lord yet in addition dedicated to his partner. The two texts show a significant amount of valor that greatly contributed to English in the medieval period.