So the very basis of this concept of honor in science fiction and fantasy takes a Eurocentric as well as masculine point of view. #Chivalry code of honor codeThat said, I do want to comment that the chivalric code was reserved for men, who in this day and age would be classified as white. Perhaps the lasting influence of chivalry and its concept of honor centuries later in science fiction and fantasy is rooted in the fact that the system was popularized by (you guessed) medieval literature. Chivalry was a key concept in knighthood, dictating what it means to be a gentleman, and was also tied closely with the institution’s Christian faith. The chivalric code was an informal code of conduct that had been developed sometime between 11. Much of the type of honor relayed in science fiction and fantasy books harkens back to this medieval European concept of chivalry. Most of the science fiction and fantasy books I’ve read, at least those based in Europe-like settings, still adhere to the medieval definition of honor, which include keeping one’s word, fighting fairly, and treating guests with the utmost respect. The way we practice honor is different and has been adapted to our technology age, whereas the worlds in science fiction and fantasy need something else…something medieval Europe once needed, too. Merriam-Webster defines the noun form of honor as “good name or public esteem: reputation” and “a showing of usually merited respect: recognition.” This is not to say that reputation and showing respect aren’t part of our own world, but nowadays, reputation has evolved to mean good branding or politeness. The color green appears throughout the text of the poem 44 times.For example, what is the etiquette between two people who can kill each other with one magical word? Or between two opposing armies with starships capable of destroying entire planets? It looks like the answer to that is something the Knights of the Round Table mastered: honor. When he returns to Camelot, the entire yard wears green belts in communion with Gawain. Gwaine pleads guilty and wears a belt as a banner of his weakness. Medieval Romance, Epic, Adventure, Arthurian Legend He believes that God will protect him, “So armored as he was, he heard a mass, Honored God humbly at the high altar” (Cooper 74). He also fights the dark knight and other beasts without a fear in his heart (which is one of the characteristics of a real knight) and proves the statement told about him at the end of the poem, “…Gawain, his name is too noble, he’s never afraid, nowhere…” (Cooper 81).Īs all Arthur’s knights, Sir Gawain believed in God’s law and was governed by Christian rules. Sir Gawain demonstrates his bravery replying to Green Knight’s words “Did I flinch, or flee from you when your blow felled me?” (Cooper 81) with the words, “Enough! I won’t flinch when you hack!” (Cooper 81). In addition, the Green Knight’s challenge during the Arthur’s Christmas feast was the opportunity for Gawain to prove his courage. Thus, Gawain demonstrates the loyalty and his obligations to Arthur. He demonstrates his loyalty to the King when accepts the challenge of the Green Knight in order to protect the honor of the King. Sir Gawain is a perfect knight of the Round Table. He is loyal to his King, obedient to the God’s law and experiences a court love with the Lady. Sir Gawain demonstrates these values in his thoughts and actions and he does the things that one of King Arthur’s knights is supposed to do. They were loyalty, valor, honesty and honor. The character of Sir Gawain demonstrates the chivalric code of the 14 th century and the main values that were assigned to the knights.
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