Largesse :: Essays Papers

Largesse The idea of chivalry encompasses the virtues of truth, honor, courage, kindness, loyalty, and valor. Combining this and many other benevolent traits make the ideal knight. Being a knight means something more than just armor, weaponry, and a good horse. It is about a code. This code of a knight is what sets him apart from the rest of the world, defining him and the beliefs he alone stands for. A knight is bounded by honor and valor usually to his king, his country, and his god. In a sense, a knight is the ideal man in all aspects, physically and mentally, and as part of his characteristics exists this thing called largesse. Largesse in simple terms is generosity, the liberality of giving. Now, this did not merely mean giving money to the poor or to the church. Largesse encompasses a larger spectrum, in a sense, that makes him better able to walk the line between mercy and cold justice. One can say at one end of the spectrum is the lavish giving to the need of his vassals and allies, and at the other end is the giving to his king and country. At any means, great honor can be won by the open-handed noble who sees no gluttony, but pure generosity to those among him. From Leon Gautier's Chivalry, one finds chivalry defined by prowess, loyalty, generosity, judgment, courtesy, and honor. Included with this is the 10 commandments, particularly the IX commandment--thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone. For instance, in the Poem of the Cid, Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar is exiled by his King Alfonso. Along the Cid's journey, he conquers many places and acquires vast wealth. Not only does he give amply to his men but also to the King Alfonso who banishes him. The Cid places the needs of others above his own, being charitable to others and giving to those in need, including his enemy. "Those who joined him into exile have all grown rich. The renowned Campeador gave them all, in Valencia, houses and fiefs with which they are satisfied; they all have tasted of the Cid's generosity. Those who joined him later are content also." This clearly exemplifies the true nature of chivalry and what it is to be a knight.