![]() Conversely, Launcelot always grants mercy to a knight that asks for it, underlining his characterization as an honorable knight-in battle, if not in spiritual purity. Sir Gawaine, for instance, refuses to grant mercy to a man who asks for it (thus breaking part of the code) and, as his lover hurls herself forward to protect him, accidentally kills the lady-carrying the shame of this act with him for the rest of his adventures. ![]() Malory’s collected stories contrast the results of following the code of chivalry with what happens when a knight breaks that code or succumbs to temptation. ![]() This is a code that is meant to govern the knights’ actions throughout Le morte d’Arthur-however, Malory also takes care to show just how difficult, if not impossible, this code proves for many of the knights, as well as how it can be easily corrupted through circumstance and human folly. Chivalry includes showing mercy, fighting for good, and protecting ladies whenever they may be in harm. Every year, at the Christian feast of Pentecost, the Knights of the Round Table renew their oaths to follow the code of chivalry as proclaimed by King Arthur.
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