Chivalry In Beowulf

C.S. Lewis, a well known author, once said, “Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” Throughout medieval literature tales of knights, maidens, and dragons are painted. Throughout these stories a bold imprint of chivalry is shown in stories to Inspire and excite the reader. The code to knights was more then a code or a story, but a law. And due to medieval authors it has been able to be read by many cultures and people. One of the top influences of medieval literature is the chivalric code, which maintained fear and respect for god, protection of the defenseless, and an oath to live with honor. …show more content…
Chivalry clearly had an effect on medieval literature and the reverse as well. It is a never-ending cycle of literature. The more that happens in history the more that can be transferred into writing. The character Beowulf showed half of the traits of chivalry. Not with great mention of God, but shown valor, fairness, perseverance, and respect. The beginning of the story a neighboring land to Beowulf’s was terrorized by a monster so he sailed over and slaughtered the beast not to be rewarded but just to defeat the beast. Not much unlike Teddy Roosevelt, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” Beowulf spoke softly and carried a long sword. Medieval chivalry truly did stretch and reach throughout literature, still making an impact on the …show more content…
In which the period filled with stories of knights in armor fighting dragons and savings damsels in distress. Poetry and all literature flourished with such material to use of tournaments and battles, castles and kingdoms. The medieval age, an age of poetry, fear of god, philosophers, and knights. All of which can relate back to chivalry. The Chivalric code impacted literature and still today that literature is affecting the rest of the