Chivalric Code: How War Was Permanently Altered

When the chivalric code was introduced wars became lass barbaric, developing an honor-based system of warfare. Chivalry is characterized as, “a period of significant metamorphosis with an emphasis on lineage allegiance to one’s lord and violence”. Chivalry is known for of having deep routes in society, particularly seen in medieval times. When a human has the characteristic of “chivalry” they are considered honored or noble people, this is what most people in society would try to have or achieve. The essence of chivalry is what people would call a good human in the present day, combining multiple parts of life to achieve the goal of being chivalric including: Honor, respect, etiquette and behavior. These sought-after traits indefinitely change the way of war and battle for the rest of history.

Chivalry in war described by the quote, “In medieval times, warfare and tournaments had certain characteristics in play, meaning that it was to some extent regulated”. Chivalric characteristic traits that people sought after were incorporated into war as an unspoken set of rules, because these traits were incorporated a system of unwritten rules were beginning to form, eventually changing the course of battles forever. These rules not only turned into behavioral codes for soldiers, but for Society. As described by Moelker and Kümmel, “there are five distinct characteristics that define the the character of play, playing is acting in freedom, play is not ordinary life, the play is confined to certain boundaries, regulation and its capacity to form communities”. These 5 characteristics each have a unique aspect of them that contribute to the chivalric code relating to war. Moelker re-iterates how war structure is a strong tool that unifies social groups to ultimately bring together bigger civilizations. This is how big conquest occur like some of the biggest conquers in China. One important rule of chivalry is that for the first-time seen enemies have built a mutual respect for one another which is unheard of. These characteristics about chivalry shape the structure of how battles are fought, thus changing the structure and strategy of wars.

Moelker writes, “Chivalrous behavior in theatres of war and the ensuing differentiation between justified and non-justified action in war are the result of a process of sociocultural normalization, which made war and warfare subject to certain rules, stressing inhibition”. The clear line of moral and immoral in each warrior is upheld on the idea that they want their enemies to uphold the same values, and that if they were to break the ethical codes themselves their enemies would have no reason to uphold the values. Adding on, “this fear of reciprocal countermeasures serves the establishment of rules of war and their compliance”. This further upholds the idea that because of the moral standards held by each warrior were an upspoken rule set that was introduced earlier was reinforced on nothing but the idea of morals to uphold the value of it. Developing moral principle in battle finally changes the old way of barbaric mud slinger war.

Even though etiquette and moral principle are Similar, in terms of chivalry they have very different meanings and effects. Kummel adds that, “etiquette, courtesy and other forms of chivalry are particularly important”. Etiquette enables humans to be on an equal social level not matter what social class you might be in. This creates a globalized and flexible Military force allowing a stronger bond between humans. “respect is connected to social hono in a way, this code of conduct is like a book of etiquette”. Going along with etiquette, respect has a big form on mutating battles. Supporting Kummel’s argument respect is a big aspect in war because it is what unifies each side creating a single entity, making battles fiercer as they are not just fighting for themselves but fighting for their brothers. By adding etiquette and respect for fellow soldiers no matter where they come from it creates a stronger force. This all together changes how wars are fought adding a level of respect to the situation no matter what side you are on.

The chivalric code was more that just a simple philosophy it, it was a way of life. As proven by the primary source documents, because of the chivalric code warfare was forever changed by affecting the way, Honor, etiquette, behavior and morals were formed from the chivalric code changed the way altered the way war was fought. Even to this present day these philosophies of war are still upheld not only in unspoken forms, but real written rules which countries have to follow. All of these prove the final point that when the chivalric code was introduced wars became less barbaric and more structured because of an honor-based system of battle was developed forever changing how wars were

Works Cited

1. Terry, Reta, A. ''Vows to the Blackest Devil': Hamlet and the Evolving Code of Honor in Early Modern England.' Renaissance Quarterly, vol. 52, no. 4, 1999, p. 1070. Gale in Context: Biography. Accessed 21 Oct. 2019.
2. Moelker, René, and Gerhard Kummel. “Chivalry and Codes of Conduct: Can the Virtue of Chivalry Epitomize Guidelines for Interpersonal Conduct?” Journal of Military Ethics. Nov2007, Vol. 6 Issue 4, p292-302. 11p. Accessed 21 Oct. 2019.