The Code of Chivalry Trivia Quiz

Answer: a set of guidelines for knights

The Code of Chivalry was a set of guidelines for an ideal knight. Of course, not all knights went exactly by the rules, but this was what 'the knight' wanted to be. Another example of that is the stories of King Arthur. While it is true that he existed, he wasn't a king. The stories of King Arthur that we know and love today were basically what knights wanted to be.

Answer: French

'Chivalry' comes from the French word 'chevalier' which means 'knight'. However, 'chevalier' came from 'cheval', translated as 'horse'. 'Cheval' was derived from the Latin word 'caballus'. The horse was the most important (and not to mention expensive) part of knighthood. Purebred warhorses were very much like expensive sports cars today: flashy, expensive, and only somewhat practical.

The horse also had armor, which had to be custom fit. Thank goodness the feudal lord paid for all that!

Answer: that the knight fight bravely for his feudal lord

One thing demanded by the Code of Chivalry was that the knight fight bravely for his feudal lord. The knight might have served meals or taught others, but he was usually the most expensive protection that the feudal lord had. The knight required three sets of armor that fit perfectly; in addition he needed the same amount for his horse, which had to be only the best (he normally had more than one horse) and most often a lord's daughter was a knight's bride.

Answer: Yes

Another thing demanded by the Code of Chivalry was the knight was to make up love songs and poetry to win over his chosen lady. This is where we get such fantasies over the knight in shining armor sweeping his lady off her feet and carrying her off into the sunset (awwww).

The knights were encouraged to be faithful (which of course didn't always happen) and try to woo over the lady that was out of reach. Knights often rode to battle or in tournaments with tokens of the said lover. This is also where we get the first concepts of a gentleman.

Answer: False

FALSE! Part of the Code of Chivalry was to protect the poor and the weak. It was considered dishonorable and cowardly to leave the poor alone and defend only those who could pay. A true knight was said to protect all, regardless of status. However, in a more realistic light, every guy had to make a living, right? So more often than not a noble gained more protection than a peasant.

Answer: a court held to solve love problems

The Court of Love was a light-hearted court held by noble ladies to sort out problems of the heart. It was held in Provence, France, in the twelfth century. The court might decide which man was the real love of a particular lady. It was almost like a couples counseling session, so to speak.

Answer: Yes

The Court of Chivalry appeared in the 13th and 14th centuries. It judged disputes between knights, including disagreements about who had the right to wear a certain coat of arms. It is not to be confused with the Court of Love, which was run by noble ladies. This court was run by fellow knights.

Answer: so a ransom could be collected

A knight would spare another in battle, usually so a ransom could be collected. If the knight was killed, then there was no profit. A knight that lost in a tournament or battle was usually asked to give up either his horse or armor, which was worth a good deal and expensive to replace; this was the price of losing.

Answer: to serve the church

As in almost everything, the church had to make sure that they were getting an advantage too. A knight was required to also serve the Lord (at this time Christianity was the major religion in Europe) and over time the knighting ceremony became more of a religious experience.

The knight-to-be took a bath in holy water and then kept a vigil in a chapel or church the night before. This way the church kept a hold on all of Europe's defense system at the time.

Answer: a reward for service to one's country

Over time, a knight was no longer an asset to the battlefield. Cannons could hit a knight from far away, so it was a disadvantage to only have knights (who were walking ovens) when you could just have any old peasants who didn't have to be skilled; just hold the gun in the right direction. (Peasants also didn't have to be paid, the lord could threaten them into fighting.)

Knighthoods are considered a reward for service to one's country. A sovereign decides who to knight. Some examples of knights who aren't medieval:
Sir Elton John
Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Mick Jagger
Sir Paul McCartney