Mind-Munitions

The Chivalric Code 71
The war-torn eleventh and twelfth centuries were fuelled by the
chivalric code, which often led to a love of war for war’s sake and a
romantic glorification of fighting skills. An over-zealous admirer of
the code later wrote:
It is a joyous thing, a war. I believe that God favours those who risk
their lives by their readiness to make war to bring the wicked, the
oppressors, the conquerors, the proud and all those who deny true
equity, to justice. You love your comrade so much in war. When you
see that your quarrel is just, and your blood is fighting well, tears rise
to your eyes. A great sweet feeling of loyalty and of pity fills your heart
on seeing your friend so valiantly exposing his body to execute and
accomplish the command of our Creator. And then you are prepared to
go and die or live with him, and for love not to abandon him. And out
of that, there arises such a delectation that he who has not experienced
it is not fit to say what delight it is. Do you think that a man who does
that fears death? Not at all, for he feels so strengthened, so elated, that
he does not know where he is. Truly he is afraid of nothing [Le
Jouvencel, written in 1466.]
Perhaps this rather romanticized view of the medieval concept of
courage more accurately describes battle-rage, but it does provide
us with an insight into the ideal by which men measured their own
code of behaviour. It is also an example of war propaganda. In
reality, military commanders had to ensure that fear and panic did
not overtake their own soldiers while attempting to induce chaos
amongst the enemy. The former could be achieved by training,
discipline, superior numbers, and armour – which all served to
enhance confidence and morale – whereas the latter might follow
naturally from it.
Chivalric songs provide us with an excellent insight into what
made medieval men fight. As already illustrated, religion played an
important role. Mass was held before every battle at which soldiers
would take communion and confession (and also perhaps make
their wills). The songs themselves were recited to entertain and
inspire the troops on their long marches, with the words reminding
them of their religious duties and their illustrious predecessors.
They were an important element of morale-boosting – for the most
effective propaganda is that which entertains as well as instructs
and exhorts – but they also provide us with certain insights into the
chivalric code. In the Song of Roland, we have the portrayal of an