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Knights could have been thugs or even warlords but they weren't. Having recently read A Distant Mirror, I was NOT impressed by what passed as chivalrous behavi
by microtherion 8y ago
Knights could have been thugs or even warlords but they weren't.
Having recently read A Distant Mirror, I was NOT impressed by what passed as chivalrous behavior then. Any norms of decent behavior they had was pretty much reserved for their own class.
- bostik 8y agoLong time ago I learned how the traits of "chivalry" were established. The tradition of a knight (or chivalrous person) opening a door to let other pass first was a defensive measure. Doorways were good spots for assassination and getting stabbed with a dagger was a realistic threat. So a knight allowed - possibly even forced - others to go through the doorways first. Even the tradition of hailing with your hand comes from the need to show to others that you were not wielding a weapon. Chivalry. A foul word.
- frobozz 8y agoAs with many "ancient" traditions, a lot of chivalric code stuff was invented by Victorians.