Knightly Virtues (or the Virtues of a Knight) were part of a medieval chivalric code of honor. The virtues were a set of 'standards' that Knights of the High Middle Ages tried to adhere to in their daily living and interactions with others. Today, this term still carries similar meanings.[1]
Some organizations attempt to continue this tradition. The Emblem of the Order of St. John, (an organization that can be traced back to the Knights Hospitaller) does have a meaning behind it. [2]
| “ | The emblem of the Order is a white eight-pointed cross embellished in the four principal angles alternately with a lion passant guardant and a unicorn passant. The four arms of the cross signify the cardinal virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Justice and Fortitude. The eight points signify the beatitudes: Humility, Compassion, Courtesy, Devotion, Mercy, Purity, Peace and Endurance. | ” |
There is no definitive list of virtues, and other proposed virtues include:[1][2]
The list of virtues has changed over time. In the Middle Ages, skills like Horsemanship were also considered one amongst these ideals.[3]