In Time of Lockdown: Reflections on Locks, Lockdown, Isolation

The Individuality of Chivalric Culture Sophie Smith (DA U6) ‘It is dusk. A young knight is riding through a deserted countryside, seeking shelter for the night. He has seen no one all day, save a fisherman who has told him of a castle nearby where he will be made welcome.’

This is an extract from the tale of Perceval, written in the 12th century by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes. At the heart of the story is a young knight who is burdened with the solitary quest of finding the holy grail. As in many chivalric legends, the solitude of knightly endeavour is a prominent theme. Alone, he must overcome hardship, challenge and adventure in order to prove his bravery and demonstrate core chivalric values – valour, faith, diligence, temperance and justice. These stories were born out of the developing knightly values of the 12th century, of which individualism was a significant part; society was changing from a homogenous entity centred around the monarchy to a culture where each aristocrat sought to assert their individual prominence. This change was influential in spurring on the development of democracy and parliament.

It has been postulated that it was this shift which also led to the foundation of fame and celebrity in society. At the heart of chivalric culture was the desire for knights to prove themselves against their competitors: the tales of Chrétien de Troyes and others therefore focused on the deeds of a lone questing knight, for it was by these acts of individual heroism that unique worth could be demonstrated. Renowned figures such as William Marshal, Richard the Lionheart and the legendary King Arthur are examples of the widespread recognition that could be gained from individual heroism. This desire for honour and competition with others was an integral part of chivalric culture.

However, there are certainly great differences between the notion of fame today compared to that of the Middle Ages. Recognition of celebrities today is reliant on media and imagery, the lack of which would have detracted from the fame of 12th century knights. Yet the use of heraldry and symbolism was a means by which chivalric culture managed to surmount this issue. Unique shield designs and heraldic animals were adopted by knights to propagate their individuality and extend their fame.

Not only was medieval individualism expressed through heraldic insignia: the building of castles provided another means for self-expression and distinctiveness. Unlike churches or cathedrals, the construction of castles required no adherence to set rules or the inclusion of obligatory elements, resulting in much greater variation.

For instance, Chateau Gaillard, or ‘saucy castle’, was constructed in Normandy by Richard the Lionheart and is recognisable for its deliberately quirky, unusual and complex design, which, as claimed by Richard himself, meant it would not be taken ‘were the walls made of butter’.

Fame and individuality were therefore important aspects of chivalric culture, and ideals that inspired the writers of 12th and 13th century tales. This individualism also bears similarity to the notion of solitude prevalent in aspects of monasticism. The drive of reformers to emulate the life of Christ and the desert fathers led to the rejection of worldly society in favour of solitude and simplicity. Austerity, prayer and hardship were to be endured alone, much as the questing knights must overcome challenge and danger. Stories of Perceval and the Holy Grail suggest the influence of Christianity in chivalric society; the notion of solitude and the struggle to overcome the inner battles of personality thus seem closely connected to the legends of chivalric society.