Modern Chivalry

[Forum | Links | The Code | Knight Info | Knight Pages | The Order | Store]

Knights:

Introduction

RenFaire Knights

Making a Kit

Pronunciation

KNIGHTS IN MODERN TIMES

Sadly, knights no longer exist, at least in the mythical sense that most of us know from movies and stories. I'm not sure if they ever truly existed in that fashion, but even back in the middle ages, the rules of chivalry, and some of the heroic deeds performed by knights, were inspired by the popular stories of their day, which included the Arthurian legends.

Today, knighthood is an honor that continues to be bestowed. However, many of the more well-known cases can be nothing more than an honorous title given by vestigial royalty (though there are certainly other systems of knighthood still in existence today). It's not meaningless, but it doesn't necessarily speak to the constitution of those who receive it. They may simply be famous or well accomplished people. Success does not equal virtue. Renown does not imply character, spirit, and heart. There are far more unsung heroes than decorated ones, and it's not the official accolade that makes the man.

Modern knighthood in the European countries that still award it is treated much the same way as Nobel Prizes, medals, and other awards are granted. These knighthoods are granted to honor achievements and successes that are recognized to contribute to the world in a positive measure. While such accomplishments should indeed be rewarded and recognized, as such recognition will inspire a social pressure towards such goals, other awards exist to recognize these merits. Knighthood should retain its connection with the virtuous and chivalrous underpinnings that defined the knightly class of the medieval period, as that code of conduct is highly responsible for lifting society out of more brutal and savage times. One's daily conduct and moral fiber, and desire to uphold these ideals is what knighthood should recognize, and so it is up to us, as everyday people with a desire to reawaken these virtues, to reclaim it as our own.

In our modern age of technology, being bombarded with highly commercialized media and entertainment, and a high standard of living that doesn't require the same social constructs that our ancestors had, it's easy for people to get lost in the day-to-day. We find ourselves constantly focused on what we did yesterday, and what we're doing tomorrow, and can easily overlook today. We find ourselves busily hurrying along, and can often neglect to take into consideration what is immediately around us.

Cultural ideals and social structure have evolved over time, and Chivalric traits such as Honor, Truth, and Loyalty have begun to be viewed as almost archaic. But deep down inside, we know these to be timeless and crucial qualities; traits that we silently admire in others when we encounter them.

So why is it that so few of us make an active effort to uphold such ideals? Are we really afraid of being seen as a "goody goody" or dweeb for standing up for what is right and good?

Being a modern-day knight can be as simple as waking up one day and deciding that Chivalry and virtue are important enough to work for. To make the world around you a better place, and have fun at the same time.

Here at Modern Chivalry, we present a forum where our members can feel free to relive the aspects of historical Chivalry in the modern day, with or without the historical trappings of arms and armor. We're sword enthusiasts, historical fencers, collectors, amateur historians, or even re-enactors. But one thing we all have in common is that we live in the modern age.

Membership here does not imply any sort of official knighthood, beyond what you already have or consider yourself to be. Since we can not tell you when or if you are worthy, and when you can be a knight, it is entirely up to you.

Spend time in introspection, or prayer if that suits you. Spend time with the tools of your trade, whether it is a pen, sword, computer, etc. Assemble your armor or uniform, and clean your sword. When you feel that you are ready to bear the title of Knight, do so with humilty and honor, and bear it well.

Come and join us, if you hear the calling.

-- Sir Edward

An Ed Toton website.