There are many modern heroes. Those we consider strong and courageous. Those who protect us. But where did they aspire these qualities from? How do we judge whether someone is noble? If anyone is worth honoring. There are many attributes that contribute to this definition of what we call a hero, a knight is shining armor. Attributes that help determine whether a knight will be a great knight or dishonored. Knighthood is an award bestowed by the king. Which today equates to several commands within our military. These essential characteristics that we consider chivalric are present throughout medieval Arthurian history and literature and are represented in Lancelot: The Knight of the Chariot by Chrétien de Troyes. The novels of Chrétien de Troyes are some of the best known and most used sources of medieval history and literature today and help us understand the meaning of what it means to be a knight. Chrétien is also the first to define a knight not only as a brave and strong fighter, but also as a lover who will do anything for love. Elements of loyalty, nobility, courage, honor, faith, and reason along with pure love and true chivalry help make an admirable knight. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Chivalry was an important aspect in the Middle Ages and was depicted in many prose books. Chivalry was “a combination of qualities expected of a knight such as courage, honor, courtesy, and justice.” The knights had a code they had to abide by. It required that they be loyal not only to each other but also to other people, that they work hard, and that they know the code of honor. Knights typically wore better-than-average clothing, riding their horses with gold bridles and saddles. He often rides the best horses. They were considered elite soldiers in battles and crusades, expected to behave honorably and act as officers of the local lord's court or that of the queen. Knights are skilled in weapons, chivalry, and courtly love. While there are many attributes of a good knight, there are some traits that may cause one to question a knight's honorability as part of the chivalric code. A knight cannot lack the ability to reason with his decisions and must be willing to act in an instant. When it comes to questioning loyalty and love, there must be a certain balance that a knight can maintain. Knights must be able to reason with this balance and remain loyal to the people and the king. The Knight of the Chariot, however, shifts his honor and loyalty to the king in pursuit of knightly missions to be with Guinevere, the king's wife. Chrétien reluctantly writes that this act is indeed very honorable, although it went against the king. Which is far from honorable but rather chivalrous. When it comes to honor and courage, there should be no need to doubt yourself. Chretien states that "in that case the greatest living coward would pass", meaning that no knight should be afraid to spring into action where and when needed and that even the weakest of knights would do what is right for honor and the protection of himself and the people. If you hesitate even for a few moments you can die. Hesitation is a serious flaw that many riders should avoid. The Knight of the Chariot, however, hesitates on more than one occasion. Once he hesitates two steps before jumping on the chariot in pursuit of the queen “But common sense, which is incompatible with the dictates of love, requires him to.”