While chivalry was characterized as a social, ethical and religious code of noble and courteous conduct in medieval times, it has changed over time to become something less formal but still very relevant. The origin of chivalry “comes from Old French as chevalerie, which is loosely translated as soldier on horseback. Initially the term referred only to men on horseback because the term cheval translated the word horse, but later it came to refer to chivalrous deeds". The definition of chivalry is also found in the Code of Chivalry. The Code of Chivalry was a moral system created to make knights honorable. Not only did they have to be brave and fearless, but they also had to be kind to all women and children. Chivalry in the Middle Ages had a very strict definition. He was so strict that he had his own codes that had to be followed to be chivalrous. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the story, Beowulf, the main character Beowulf can be described as the definition of chivalry. Within the story he followed The Code of Chivalry to the best of his ability. He displayed many heroic traits and presented himself as a hero. For example, “Thus Beowulf behaved valiantly; he was formidable in battle but he behaved with honor and took no advantage of it.” This quote in the text shows that even when he fought for his life he remained a chivalrous individual. Within the story, Beowulf is described in the highest esteem as a hero. A Danish coast guard says: “I have never seen on this earth a more powerful man-at-arms than the one who stands here: if I am not mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere minion in a hero's armor.' Beowulf's hero character is evident to the Danish Coast Guard just by looking at him. Beowulf, while not a perfect person, is a very chivalrous person and is a hero through and through. Chivalry is the code of respect perceived by knights in the Middle Ages. Knights should behave decently towards each other by observing certain principles. In general, knights were relied upon to serve God, protect the weak and honest, and be courageous and just in conflict. While the story of Beowulf originates before the idea of ​​chivalry created during the Middle Ages, Beowulf displays these characteristics throughout the epic poem. poetry. In his efforts to spare Herot from Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf displayed chivalry in almost all of his actions. An example of this is when Beowulf defeats the dragon. Beowulf says, “I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to face the dragon and justify my boasting as I did against Grendel in the past.” But I will meet molten poison in breathing fire, so I go out in chain mail and shield.' This quote shows how honorable Beowulf is in a fight. He makes it clear to readers that he doesn't want to get into a fight with any advantage. Beowulf wants to win fights with honor, which shows that Beowulf is chivalrous. Another example of Beowulf's chivalrous courage is when he finally defeated the dragon. “Inspired still by the thought of glory, the warrior king threw all his strength behind a sword blow and joined the skull.” This quote shows how even in Beowulf's weakest moments, when he is dying from a mortal wound filled with poison, he has the strength to kill the dragon. Beowulf not only lived a hero's life, he died a hero. As shown by the definition of chivalry and examples from the Beowulf text, chivalry was very important in the Middle Ages, but what is chivalry now?.