The History of Chivalry; Or, Knighthood and Its Times, Volume 1 (of 2)
The History of Chivalry; Or, Knighthood and Its Times, Volume 1 (of 2)
Before knights were symbols of courtly romance, they were something far more visceral: armored warriors forged in the chaos following Rome's collapse, men whose swords carved the political landscape of medieval Europe. Charles Mills charts this extraordinary transformation in Volume 1 of his definitive two-volume study, tracing chivalry's evolution from raw martial culture to the elaborate code of honor that would shape Western ideals for centuries. He examines how Christianity reshaped knighthood's purpose, turning brutal fighters into defenders of the faith and protectors of the weak. The text illuminates the institution's dual nature: the battlefield ferocity and the tournament spectacle, the sacred oath and the romantic poetry that celebrated lady and lord alike. Mills writes with the conviction of a 19th-century scholar who believed these medieval ideals still resonated in modern warfare and society. For readers drawn to the romance and reality of the Middle Ages, this remains a foundational work, one that captures both the glitter of heraldic achievement and the blood-soaked ground on which it was built.
About The History of Chivalry; Or, Knighthood and Its Times, Volume 1 (of 2)
Chapter Summaries
- Preface
- Charles Mills explains his motivation for writing a history of chivalry, critiquing existing works by Sainte Palaye and Büsching for their limitations. He outlines his primary sources, such as Froissart and romances, and includes a lengthy note correcting Sir Walter Scott's historical inaccuracies in 'Tales of the Crusaders' regarding Saladin's marriage proposals.
- 1
- This chapter defines chivalry as both military and moral, tracing its origins to ancient German customs of soldier election, fraternity, obedience, and gallantry. It details how Christianity and figures like Charlemagne modified these practices, leading to religious inauguration ceremonies and the formal sanction of chivalry by councils. The chapter concludes by outlining the degrees of chivalric nobility: Knight Banneret, Knight, and Squire, with their respective qualifications and privileges.
- 2
- The education of a knight is described, starting at age seven as a page, learning personal service, love, religion, and martial exercises. This progresses to the squire stage, involving more significant personal and battle duties, with anecdotes illustrating their gallantry and importance. The chapter then details the religious preparations for knighthood, the elaborate inauguration ceremony (oaths, investiture, accolade), and the solemn, often humiliating, ceremonies of degradation for dishonorable knights.
Key Themes
- The Nature and Evolution of Chivalry
- The book meticulously defines chivalry, distinguishing between its military and moral aspects, and traces its evolution from ancient Germanic customs to a refined system influenced by Christianity. It highlights how chivalry adapted to changing societal needs while retaining core principles of honor and service.
- Religion's Influence on Knighthood
- A significant theme is the profound impact of Christianity on chivalry, transforming it from a secular martial tradition into a 'holy order.' This is seen in inauguration ceremonies, vows to defend the church, the establishment of religious military orders, and the knight's personal devotion, often intertwined with intolerance towards non-Christians.
- The Elevated Status and Heroism of Women
- The book emphasizes the high regard for women in chivalric society, portraying them as inspirations for knightly valor, judges of tournaments, and even active heroines in warfare. It explores the concept of 'lady-love' as a driving force for knights' actions and details the education and daily lives of dames and damsels.
Characters
- Charles Mills(author)
- The author of 'The History of Chivalry,' who aims to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of knighthood.
- George Perceval(supporting)
- A friend of Charles Mills and author of 'History of Italy,' who suggested the writing of 'The History of Chivalry.'
- M. de la Curne de Sainte Palaye(minor)
- A French antiquarian whose work 'Mémoires sur l’ancienne Chevalerie' is critiqued by Mills for its limited scope and inaccuracies.
- Mr. Büsching(minor)
- A German lecturer and author of 'Ritterzeit und Ritterwesen,' whose work on chivalry is noted for its valuable facts on German knighthood despite its slovenly style.
- Sir Walter Scott(minor)
- A poet and novelist whose works, like 'Tales of the Crusaders,' are discussed and critiqued by Mills for historical inaccuracies, particularly regarding the marriage of Saladin.
- Jean Froissart(supporting)
- A celebrated chronicler of the middle ages, whose vivid descriptions of chivalric manners and political events serve as a primary source for Mills.
