Chivalry was the basis for which most knights lived their lives throughout the feudal period. The knights were expected to be perfect

role models in society, as they held true to their beliefs of being idealistic Christian figures and remained loyal to their king at all times no matter what the circumstances. Knights would sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their king and kingdom that provided them with so comfort and security for many years. Characteristics that were present regarding the chivalric code were bravery, honesty, integrity, respect towards women, and help the helpless with no expectance of a reward, respect women, and right wrong. The knights were supposed to obey these values at all times. They would also fight with honor in battle as they fought with a sort of reckless abandon, for they did not regard their own lives or fate highly because the first concern was always the well-being of others and that of their king. It truly was an ideal system in an ideal society and the importance of this specific code of conduct is exhibited in a number of ways throughout Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Though the poem serves as a great example of how knights were expected to act and how they stayed true to the chivalric ways, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight deviates from the code of chivalry. When the Green Knight first comes forth with his challenge, Arthur, like everyone else is reluctant to step forth and show bravery by accepting the challenge and partaking in the game. It took the Green Knight’s mocking of Arthur and Camelot for Arthur to step forth and finally take the challenge. It is unlike knights to shy away from danger and be afraid, but Arthur hides behind his brave and loyal knight Gawain and lets him duel with the green knight instead.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight exemplifies the ideals of chivalry and its importance throughout the poem. Arthur first presents his chivalric ways and honor towards Camelot after a strange figure named the Green Knight comes into Arthur’s Castle and mocks the integrity and courage of Arthur and all his knights. After the Green Knight entered the castle, he presented a challenge and game for Camelot that involved someone striking the Green Knight’s neck with an ax and then seeking him out one year later so that he can return the favor to the certain individual. At first no one stepped up to the plate, which led to the Green Knights questioning the courage of Camelot, “What is this Arthur’s house, Whose fame is so fair in far realms and wide?, Your valor and your victories and your vaunting words?...Overwhelmed with a word of one man’s speech, for all cower and quake, and no cult felt!” (“Sir Gawain” Lines 85-90) After these mere words were spoken, Arthur acted out in rage and defense, for he would have no individual mock his home that provided him with so much love and respect for so many years. He jumped forward and grasped the ax and was willing to take the stranger’s challenge to protect the honor of his men and present his bravery to the Green Knight, but he would only be stopped by yet another brave soul who was also willing to sacrifice his own life for that of his home and king. One of the biggest factors in obeying the chivalric code and one of the biggest honors of being a knight of the round table was to show your loyalty to your king or over-lord in battle. “Every man to h

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