Encore: Chivalry and Knighthood in Medieval Europe
Tides of History
00:00
Messages Like This Throughout Our Friend Jean
When it came to violence, knights were a chatty and discerning bunch. Violence well executed was the foundational value of his life. The ability to do it effectively in sight of his peers was what marked jean out as a member of this socially exalted group of warriors. Honor wasn't some code of behavior with an objective existence. You didn't have honor because you adhered to this imagined system. No, to jean, honor was social status. He had honor because he exercised privilege of doing deeds of great prowess. This culture valued skilful, brutal violence all executed in the sight of one's peers. In knighthood, if everybody saw it happen, then it was
Transcript
Play full episode
