| >> From
the time Gilles de Breton a code of
chivalry emerged in Bretonnia. This code
grew out of the ancient warrior tradition
and took on a religious quality under the
influence of the legend of the Lady of
the Lake. Some time during
the reign of one of the early kings of
Bretonnia, perhaps Louis the Rash or
Guillaume, the code of chivalry was set
down in a formal and proper way, and the
king appointed heralds to regulate the
ranks and honours of knighthood
throughout Bretonnia.
The Seven
Commandments of Chivalry
The Bretonnian code of
chivalry requires that a Knight always
obeys the seven commandments of chivalry.
- To serve the Lady of
the Lake
- To defend the domain entrusted to him
- To protect the weak and fight for the
right
- Always to fight the enemies of virtue
and order
- Never give up the fight until the foe
are defeated
- Never to break faith with a friend and
ally
- Always to display honour and courtesy
Before setting out on his
errand of knighthood, a Knight Errant
must vow upon his sword to keep these
commandments. A knight who fails to keep
these commandments 'dishonours his sword'.
It is believed that his sword will then
fail him in battle, becoming blunted or
even shattering in his hand.
The Rules of Honour
Apart from the commandments of chivalry,
there are certain traditional 'rules of
honour' which are adhered to and
respected by all Knights. The most
important rules of honour are summarised
below:
- A Knight may only
fight hand-to-hand, he may not use a
missile weapon
- A Knight shall always accept a
challenge to personal combat
- A Knight shall not draw sword against a
fellow Bretonnian Knight except in a
trial or in a tournament
- A Knight shall not allow himself to be
captured
- A Knight shall not retreat from the
enemy
The purpose of the rules of
honour is to make sure that Knights not
only maintain their own personal honour,
but also the honour of the entire class.
Thus all Knights receive the respect of
the peasants and all other classes and
ranks.
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