of the Lake and the Roman ambassadors made him a model knight since he was obeying the code of chivalry. In addition to being courteous, being helpful to the weak was another aspect of chivalry portrayed through characters in the story. First, Arthur tried to be helpful to Merlin when he was being chased by ruffians. Arthur chased them away while riding his horse. Merlin was not in real danger because of his magical powers, but the intent of Arthur was to help someone who needed because he thought Merlin’s powers might have failed him. Another example of this chivalrous quality was illustrated during the battle between King Pellinore and Sir Gryfflette. Pellinore knocked Gryfflette off his horse and, “swiftly ran over to him and loosened his armor.” He then, “lifted him gently onto his horse” (page 74). Sir Gryfflette was weak, and he was just knighted that day, so Pellinore did the chivalrous action and helped him. Being helpful to the weak was a quality that all the knights were trying to develop, and King Arthur and King Pellinore showed this attribute in their actions with Merlin and Gryfflette. Another characteristic besides helpfulness was honor. When King Pellinore was helping Gryfflette, he was not only helping someone who was weak, he was being honorable. He knew that he had superior fighting skills than the new knight, so he did not pursue the battle because it would be unfair. He sent Sir Gryfflette home so he could regain his health, even though he had a chance to finish the battle and kill the knight. Another example of honor was Gryfflette’s attempt to avenge Sir Myles’ death. Gryfflette asked to be a knight, and then he pleaded, “Sire, but I beg you” (page 73), until Arthur dubbed him. He had a deep longing to do what was right and show his loyalty and honor by fighting the man who killed his master. Arthur did the same when he went to fight Pellinore...
