Chivalry was the strict code of ethics knights obeyed Ð to be religious, honorable, and courteous. Chivalry required that knights be brave, loyal, and just, speak only the truth, be fair to their enemies, help people in distress, protect women, and show mercy to the weak and defenseless. Needless to say, this was more easily said than done, and some knights did not live up to the chivalrous ideal.
Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournaments Resource Library - A complete site dedicated to Knights and chivalry.