Chivalry is a concept that was celebrated in 14th century Arthurian literature. The concept of chivalry is particularly related to knighthood. In modern day, it is not a concept that is widely understood, owing to the fact that the practice of knighthood has mostly been discontinued. The word which was mostly used in the 1200’s onward is now rarely ever used unless in reference to that period of time. In fact the etymology of the word chivalry suggests that the word has origins in Latin, medieval Latin and French. The word is derived from the knight, horseman, and later knighthood. (source ) It is important …show more content…
Source They believed, lived and abided by the chivalric code. Although these were expected behaviors, some knights such as Sir Garwain were regarded highly for their commitment to these values. Sir Garwain has been widely regarded throughout the Medieval Arthurian British literature as the epitome of knighthood and in return chivalry. However, some scholars have challenged the knight’s chivalric nature versus his natural human desire. These objections arose in the scene with the host’s wife when Garwain did not reveal to the Berlizak that he received a girdle from his wife. Bertilak’s wife advances on him, further challenge his chivalric nature. Although this scene may cause some scholars to think otherwise, he is still arguably the best knight among King Arthur’s knights. Not primarily because he was the nephew of the king but more so because he rose to the challenge to fight the green knight when all other refused to do so- in fact he disallowed the king for participating in such an act.
Throughout the story of sir Garwain and the green knight, we encounter scenes whereby Garwain displayed noble behavior. His commitment was and will always be to King Arthur. He was fearless in his choice to exchange blows with the green knight. Recognizing also that he must face this dilemma a year after, he is in no way disturbed. He is set off to meet the green knight again a year after and is accompanied by the king. This too is evidence of the chivalric code as laid out during that