the Virtues
The Chivalric Virtues represent foundational guides for Chivalric behavior.
Classical sources often list 7 to 9 virtues, but we believe in the need for more specificity, thus 32 are listed. This is not an exhaustive list as there are many virtues in the world worth achieving. For ease of organization, the Virtues are displayed below with the 8 "Arch" Virtues, and under each of those are three additional "Pillar" Virtues. Click on them for formal definitions and more information.
COURAGE
Definition: ‘mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.’
“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.” - Aristotle
Courage is the First of all Virtues. In the face of the judgement, fear, and cruelty of the world you will not have the resolve to truly pursue the other Virtues without Courage first being present.
“Courage is required to stare into the dark to search for Truth” -Brand
It is easy to feign Virtue when there is no penalty for it. True virtue can be seen in those who stay true despite the penalties. The greater the penalty the greater the virtue manifest. It takes great Courage to stand your ground while the world tells you to get in line.
ACTION
Definition: “the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.”
VALOR
Definition: “the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger.”
FAITH
Definition: ‘something that is believed, especially with strong conviction. firm belief in something for which there is no proof’
TRUTH
Definition: ‘the body of real things, events, and facts’
Truth is the Foundation upon which all decisions of one’s life should be made. The world is filled with deception and manipulation with people substituting “their truth” for objective truth. It is essential to separate what actually is versus what you perceive as even the strongest minds can be led astray once they start making judgements on feelings versus what actually is.
It is of paramount importance to accept that “Your Truth” is not necessarily the “Truth” and to always analyze to discover the facts and then adjust your perspective accordingly. Human beings are creatures driven by emotion and are often pulled in directions not based on Truth. Even when you “choose” to take a path that is not in line with what is actually True, it is important for you to acknowledge that, accept it, and understand why.
HONESTY
Definition: ‘a. fairness and straightforwardness of conduct. b. adherence to the facts.’
LOYALTY
Definition: ‘the quality or state or an instance of being loyal – unswerving in allegiance.’
INTEGRITY
Definition: ‘adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character’
STRENGTH
Definition: ‘the quality or state of being strong. having or marked by great physical power. having moral or intellectual power. not mild or weak.’
DISCIPLINE
Definition: ‘Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.’ the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards.
PROWESS
Definition: “the ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.”
FORTITUDE
Definition: ‘mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously’
HONOR
Definition: ‘honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions. A code of integrity, dignity, and pride that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms. Good name or public esteem– one whose worth brings respect or fame.’
NOBILITY
Definition: ‘the quality or state of being noble in character, quality or rank.’ 'the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct'
RESPONSIBILITY
Definition: “the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.”
SERVICE
Definition: ‘contribution to the welfare of others.’
TEMPERANCE
Definition: ‘Moderation in action, thought, or feeling. Moderation in the indulgence of appetites or passions.’ ‘Self-balance, self-control’
JUSTICE
Definition: ‘the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action’
MERCY
Definition: ‘compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power’
PATIENCE
Definition: 'the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.' 'an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay'
COMPASSION
Definition: “sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.”
COURTESY
Definition: marked by respect for and consideration of others.’
GENEROSITY
Definition: ‘to give freely of one’s self, one’s time, or one’s possessions to aid others.’
HUMILITY
Definition: 'freedom from false pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. A humble person is not proud and does not believe that they are better than other people'.
FREEDOM
Definition: “liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another”
VIGILANCE
Definition: ‘the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties’
DEFENSE
Definition: ‘means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one’s team, or another.’
SACRIFICE
Definition: “to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.”
ENLIGHTENMENT
Definition: 'to bring light. providing or tending to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight. freed from ignorance or misinformation. the state of understanding.'
PERCEPTION
Definition: ‘someone's ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious to other people the ability. the act or faculty of perceiving, or apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.’
KNOWLEDGE
Definition: “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.”
WISDOM
Definition: “the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.”