1. Chivalry: This was a code of conduct that emphasized loyalty, honor, bravery, and courtesy. Knights were expected to be courageous in battle, faithful to their lord and their Church, and respectful towards their fellow knights, noble ladies, and the less fortunate.
2. Fealty and Loyalty: Knights pledged fealty to their liege lords or kings and were expected to provide military service in return for land and protection. Loyalty and faithfulness to one's lord was considered a sacred duty.
3. Religious Devotion: The Roman Catholic Church played a central role in medieval society, and many knights were deeply religious. They attended mass regularly, prayed, and took part in religious ceremonies. Knights often embarked on crusades to defend Christianity from perceived external threats.
4. Nobility and Courtly Love: Knights came from noble families and considered themselves part of a superior social class. They valued refined manners, etiquette, and participating in courtly love. Courtly love involved expressing poetic admiration for a noblewoman while remaining respectful and distant, valuing love as an ennobling force.
5. Virtue and Honor: Knights were expected to uphold high moral standards, such as honesty, integrity, and justice. The virtue of honor was paramount, and knights were willing to risk their lives to defend it. They sought to embody the ideals of courage, self-sacrifice, and faithfulness to their code of conduct.
6. Martial Prowess: Knights were skilled warriors trained from a young age in combat, riding, and the handling of weapons. They took pride in their ability to fight in tournaments, single combat, and on the battlefield.
7. Quest for Glory and Adventure: Many knights sought personal glory and adventure by participating in campaigns and explorations. The pursuit of honor, fame, and recognition as a brave warrior motivated their actions.
8. Protection of the Weak: Knights often presented themselves as protectors of the weak and the defenseless. They considered caring for the helpless, such as widows, orphans, and the poor, as part of their chivalrous obligations.
These beliefs and values were a mix of religious, social, and cultural influences, and they shaped the behavior, attitudes, and motivations of knights during the Middle Ages.