The Knights Code of Chivalry was part of the culture of the Middle Ages and understood by all (lordsandladies.org). It was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct, qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women (lordsandladies.org). The Knights Code of Chivalry played a central role in medieval culture, and was therefore a reoccurring theme in stories of the time. These stories are filled with tales of kings and knights whose lives are based upon principles of this code. This essay will examine the actions of King Arthur in the story I am Mordred to determine if Arthur displays qualities found within the Knights Code of Chivalry. Specifically
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This particular part of the code may not be apparent at the start of the story, but as the story continues, it becomes evident that Arthur understands what he must do. In the prologue, we learn that Arthur attempted to kill his illegitimate son Mordred as a baby to save his kingdom. Despite Arthur’s efforts to kill Mordred as a baby, he survived the ordeal. Mordred would eventually grow up to become a knight of King Arthurs Round Table. Although Arthur grew to respect and love Mordred, he understood that a prophecy by the great wizard Merlin foretold that he must kill his son to save his kingdom. The Knights Code implies that the good of the kingdom must outweigh the desire of an individual; therefore Arthur did finish what he started and killed Mordred at the end of the …show more content…
The Knights Code of Chivalry was so entwined with medieval times that songs and poems were written about the code. Poems such as, “The Song of Roland” would document the code for passage to future generations. It would be difficult for any knight to never falter, and even Arthur did fail, but King Arthur would be an ideal example of the tenets of the code. Even beyond the reasons mentioned above King Arthur was respected and loved by his loyal
This particular part of the code may not be apparent at the start of the story, but as the story continues, it becomes evident that Arthur understands what he must do. In the prologue, we learn that Arthur attempted to kill his illegitimate son Mordred as a baby to save his kingdom. Despite Arthur’s efforts to kill Mordred as a baby, he survived the ordeal. Mordred would eventually grow up to become a knight of King Arthurs Round Table. Although Arthur grew to respect and love Mordred, he understood that a prophecy by the great wizard Merlin foretold that he must kill his son to save his kingdom. The Knights Code implies that the good of the kingdom must outweigh the desire of an individual; therefore Arthur did finish what he started and killed Mordred at the end of the …show more content…
The Knights Code of Chivalry was so entwined with medieval times that songs and poems were written about the code. Poems such as, “The Song of Roland” would document the code for passage to future generations. It would be difficult for any knight to never falter, and even Arthur did fail, but King Arthur would be an ideal example of the tenets of the code. Even beyond the reasons mentioned above King Arthur was respected and loved by his loyal