Chivalry, Honour, Holy Grail




Chivalry, Honour, Holy Grail

In medieval times (from about 800 AD to 1500 AD), certain codes of conduct emerged in Europe and a number of 
stories and ideas related to them.  These are still with us today.  For example, the custom of shaking hands 
was a sign of greeting between medieval knights because it meant they were not holding a sword in their hands.  And 
the custom of men raising their hats comes from the idea of knights raising their helmets to show that they 
did not fear (ie they trusted) the person they were talking to.  Medieval knights lived by a special code they 
called chivalry.  This meant many things, but amongst them were: (i) be brave in battle; (ii) never harm women 
or children; (iii) be generous and courteous; (iv) treat women with great respect and politeness; (v) admit you 
are wrong when you are wrong, but defend the truth with your life; (vi) defend your honour, and those you care
for, to the death; observe the rules of courtly love.  Knights constantly practised their military skills through 
mock battles called "tournaments" in which they "jousted" with each other.  In one particular legend 
(possibly true), relating to King Arthur and the Round Table, there was a constant search for the "Holy Grail" ¡V 
a sacred book that would reveal great religious truths.  The search for the Holy Grail was called a "quest" 
and all the knights of Arthurian times made it their business to go on such a quest at some point during their 
lifetime.  The Holy Grail was never found. 

(a)  Finding the answer to that crossword puzzle has become a kind of holy grail for her.
(b)  You treat that book [table; car; plant] as if it was the holy grail!
(c)  He is a very chivalrous young man, isn't he?  [ie he raises his hat to ladies; he opens doors for 
ladies; he is generally very considerate towards women]
(d)  The tennis tournament was a great success.
(e)  The two debating teams jousted with each other until, at last, the judge declared that the competition was 
over and that Team B had won.
(f)  There was a lot of verbal jousting between us, but all of it was friendly.
(g)  He has gone off on a quest to find a good restaurant where we can eat tonight.
(h)  I have come in quest of a new car!
(i)  He is a man of honour.
(j)  My intentions are honourable.  
(k) He is my knight in shining armour!
(l)  They are a courting couple.  [Used only by British people over the age of fifty these days!]
 






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