Chivalry, governing institutions, and ideals
Richard W. Kaeuper
Thinking about knights and kings will likely bring to mind vivid scenes in stories especially films King Arthur his of the Round Table. It is easy picture them feasting together (inconveniently wearing full plate armor) joyous harmony, their rich goblets lifted toast a common sense purpose destiny. chivalry clerical hierarchy may conjure fewer scenes; it requires us recall that governing powers rested great ecclesiastics no less than whose very knightliness more readily fills eyes mind. Yet popular mental surfaces remain rosy-hued, perhaps featuring bishop, solemn beneath mitre, with gloved ringed hand uplifted blessing while bow heads obedience reverence. Both imagined are not foreign medieval life: kings, knights, clerics (joined by ranks monks parish priests) had good reason cooperate; all knew thoughts operated within religious worldview encompassing special role for as well knights.
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