The chivalric code, which these knights live by, is all about being honorable, and its Arthur the rule-maker. If you have a woman entering this sphere, she is almost always required to adapt to this male-centered system. Whats this all about Chivalry, thats what. This is because the concept of honor we generally see in science fiction and fantasy exists in systems designed for and by white men. So the very basis of this concept of honor in science fiction and fantasy takes a Eurocentric as well as masculine point of view.
#KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE CHIVALRY CODE CODE#
That said, I do want to comment that the chivalric code was reserved for men, who in this day and age would be classified as white. Perhaps the lasting influence of chivalry and its concept of honor centuries later in science fiction and fantasy is rooted in the fact that the system was popularized by (you guessed) medieval literature. Chivalry was a key concept in knighthood, dictating what it means to be a gentleman, and was also tied closely with the institution’s Christian faith. The chivalric code was an informal code of conduct that had been developed sometime between 11.
Much of the type of honor relayed in science fiction and fantasy books harkens back to this medieval European concept of chivalry. Most of the science fiction and fantasy books I’ve read, at least those based in Europe-like settings, still adhere to the medieval definition of honor, which include keeping one’s word, fighting fairly, and treating guests with the utmost respect.
The way we practice honor is different and has been adapted to our technology age, whereas the worlds in science fiction and fantasy need something else…something medieval Europe once needed, too. Merriam-Webster defines the noun form of honor as “good name or public esteem: reputation” and “a showing of usually merited respect: recognition.” This is not to say that reputation and showing respect aren’t part of our own world, but nowadays, reputation has evolved to mean good branding or politeness. For example, what is the etiquette between two people who can kill each other with one magical word? Or between two opposing armies with starships capable of destroying entire planets? It looks like the answer to that is something the Knights of the Round Table mastered: honor.
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