Chivalry is the way knights of old lived (supposedly) much of it is romanticised grandiosely. Knights started simply as a bunch of people on horse generally living by the motto “might is right”. The world has changed and so to the codes of honour need to change to be relevant to our world. Many are still relevant but some require a bit of discussion. A few things to remember: this code came from a time of Christianity and feudalism.
The knight had an important concept to live up to: that of adherence to a code of honour defined under the notion of chivalry
Two ideas were central to the notion of chivalry...the first regarded warfare as a positive experience, ennobling in itself. In the same way a king was expected to be a leader in war, so were his knights expected to follow, to lead in their turn. The knight was first and foremost a fighting man, and war was the natural state of his life. .
Another important characteristic of knighthood was its international outlook. The knights of rival countries were united by a caste solidarity that went far beyond seeking out from one another a suitable opponent for combat. Their mental world was that of an international chivalric order. (with this there is a whole concept of brotherhood between those who choose to live honourably and by certain codes – regardless of wether they are enemies or not)
(What happens when one takes away the notion that battle and war can be a noble thing – can there still be warriors/knights and honourable men?)
There was no such code; chivalry as a set of ideals and duties changed throughout the Middle Ages to meet new socio-economic realities
(The code of honour behind noble/honourable men changed to suit the times and the men – this code was a dynamic/organic concept not static)

Here is a list with some ideas and interpretations - those without comment I feel are pretty obvious
Live to defend the Virtues and Crown and all it holds dear. To defend the ideals of being a warrior and a honourable person, i.e.: honour, justice, courage, loyalty (and the following rules) etc
Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honour.
Live for freedom, the virtues and all that is good.
Never attack an unarmed foe, nor attack from behind. This is one of the complex ones since it is in facing all obstacles without fear that one shows one's honour. Of course you have to remember that it may not be wise to attack at all or straight away (without preparation).
Never practice avarice, cheating, or torture.
Amass no great wealth. But without it how can one help one's community (or follow the next line)? I believe this to mean do not be greedy and selfish.
Be generous in so far as one's resources allow. This is about helping others and being a good and gracious host. If you look at Irish rules of hospitality they require you also to be a good guest or you may negate your rights to receive good hospitality.
Obey, fight for, and be loyal to the virtues, liege, kingdom, and chivalry. Again, stand for what is right and for family and community.
Administer justice, but do not seek revenge. Be just fair and merciful and remain honourable at all times (even when emotions run riot – see next line).
Exhibit self-control, and never stray from one's principles.
Commit deeds because they are conscionable, not as any birthright. Do things because they are the right thing to do, not because you feel you deserve to do it
Show respect to authority and women. I really think that now this should be to respect all people, animals and things…until of course they show that they are not worthy of it. Remembering that there are different types of respect (discussed elsewhere in these writings)
Exhibit Courage in word and deed.
Defend the weak and innocent, and seek justice for the wronged.
Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms.
Never abandon a friend, ally, noble cause, or those that put their trust in thee. Remain loyal and true to your word.
Fight, and if necessary die, with honour and valour.
Always keep one's word of honour, and never seek to deceive.
Never betray a confidence or comrade.
Respect life and freedom.
Be polite and attentive in all things.
Be respectful of host, women, and honour. These two (see previous line) are about etiquette and being a good guest and learning when to keep ones mouth shut (subtlety).
Protect the weak and the innocent, and heal injured strangers if thou art able.
Do not attack thy foe before issuing a challenge. Follow at all times the chivalrous Rules of Engagement. This can of course be a bit difficult in terms of magical / psychical combat…grin
Act with the gentility and nobility thou expect from those thou meet.
Do not fall to base name calling and vulgar oaths. I believe that quick wit and intelligence is much harsher and a sign of greater skill…also less likely to result in a challenge…depending on your intent.

Chivalry:
Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavours expected of a knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.
Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.
Truth: Speak always the truth. To lie is to dishonour you lord, yourself, and the powers of Good.
Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.
Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.
Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.
Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.
Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.
Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required. Largesse…being hospitable to those of like values/morals/honour to the limit of ones resources…the act of being a good host
Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.
Franchise: Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

The application of a code of honour and ideals to youth of today to help alleviate problems of aggression…this has historical basis since knights were made to be loyal to a certain lord/king so as to remain peaceful yet still capable of battle
Attaining freedom through control of all things in ones life and acceptance of reality and the things that one is unable to control
Self discipline…in use of words and language, of actions/behaviour/habit
Coutliness/courtesy, skills in games and war, courage (especially in combat), loyalty to friends, personal honour (public approbation/esteem tied to the avoidance of anything shameful and commitment to doing the right thing, even if it meant risking life and limb), the idea of the 'constant quest to improve on achievement and individualism
The concept that one could win/become worthy of ones love through chivalrous action
In history…honour upon the battle field was reserved only for those who were recognised as honourable, eg knights, and when involved in battle against all others then codes of honour were not so actively adhered to

Resource List to come soon

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