Become a Knight in Shining Armor

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and doing quite a bit of reading in regards to it. A code of chivalry is rather important for a knight to have and uphold, so I sat down and worked one out for myself; some of it is based on medieval codes; but obviously, since times have changed, there were things that needed to be adapted, updated, or completely removed and replaced with something else (namely that most codes used “His” instead of “Her” – unsurprising since the vast majority of knights were men).

Knight’s Code of Chivalry
A knight is sworn to valor.
Her Blade defends the helpless.
Her Shield shelters the forsaken.
Her Courage gives hope to the oppressed.
Her Hand is stayed by mercy.
Her Word speaks only truth.
Her Mind seeks knowledge and wisdom.
Her Heart knows only loyalty and love.
Her Spirit is ruled by virtue.

In addition to writing this I’ve been looking into learning swordsmanship. I’m disenchanted in the methods ‘taught’ via something like the SCA, and I’m disappointed to some degree with the Renaissance Association of Martial Arts because of their viewpoint of role-players and fantasy enthusiasts. I don’t think that just because I’m an RPer or a fantasy enthusiast that it means I can’t be serious about historically accurate fighting. Mmph.

To actively and mindfully be chivalrous, to be valiant in all endevours, to be a defender of the defenseless. To act with honor, generousity, and courtesy.

There’s not enough of those things in the world. It’s something I’d like to do. By “in shining armor” I don’t actually mean armor in a literal sense, I mean it in a metaphorical way – one can be ‘shining’ in spirit and goodwill, and through the use of forgiveness and compassion. As far as “armor”, I mean to use intellect and a thick skin to let the little, meaningless things bounce off of one harmlessly – petty arguements, silly quarrels are quite a waste of time and aren’t a worthy persuit.