What was the Age of Chivalry?
In the late-12th and early-13th centuries, the concepts of chivalry found their most mature expression. The themes and actions treated in the romances had a powerful impact on the behaviour of the nobility for centuries and have continued to intrigue writers and audiences down to the present, influencing poetry, opera, and even modern musicals. It was time of high adventure and romance. A knight would seek out adventure, hoping to test his skills, mettle and prowess as a warrior. A knight would also try to win the love of lady or damsel, either by rescuing her from adversary or demonstrating his skills in a jousting tournament. Courtly manner was considered to be almost as important with the ladies, as well as the knight’s use of the sword and lance.
