The Tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney:
The Making of a Knight
By Don Williams Copyright 2002
The Tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney:
The Making of a Knight
By Don Williams Copyright 2002
Upon first glance, Sir Thomas Malory's book of the adventures of Sir Gareth of Orkney (who is called Bewmaynes) appears to be a superficial, amusing tale of the romantic warrior's quest for adventure. However, closer examination reveals a provocative illustration of medieval beliefs and attitudes about knighthood and chivalry.
Bewmaynes' quest is replete with a plethora of rich symbolism that reveals the high ideals and standards by which the medieval knight is judged. A proper exploration of the rich symbolism and illusions associated with the medieval chivalry is not possible without a brief examination of the origins of medieval chivalry. The Chivalric Code of the middle ages represents the nobility's high ideals of personal conduct. Its quintessential elements are generosity, humility, gentleness to the defenseless (particularly women). Another essential element of the code is the quest for honor. Generally, this goal is pursued through the display of great physical prowess and courage on the battlefield. Peacetime tournaments provide an important opportunity to accomplish the same objectives. Thus, medieval historian Elizabeth Hallman asserts in Chronicles of the Age of Chivalry:
By this code the aristocracy defined itself as the elite in society.
A man or a class that did not pursue chivalry was not "noble".
It is little wonder then that the quest for chivalry becomes the defining, quintessential element of the medieval knight.
