1. Honor and Courage:
- William Thatcher, the protagonist, embodies the chivalric value of honor. He values his reputation as a knight and strives to prove his worth despite his humble origins.
- The film highlights the knightly pursuit of glory and honor through jousting tournaments and battles. Characters like Ulrich von Lichtenstein and Count Adhemar display their courage and fighting prowess.
2. Courtly Love:
- The film portrays courtly love, where knights express their love and admiration for noblewomen through poetic gestures, tournaments, and songs. William Thatcher’s relationship with Jocelyn reflects this aspect of chivalry.
3. Fealty and Loyalty:
- Chivalry emphasized loyalty to one’s lord or king. In the movie, William Thatcher demonstrates loyalty to Count Adhemar and later to his squire, Wat.
4. Knighthood and Chivalric Rituals:
- The film depicts the ceremony of knighting, where a knight is dubbed by his lord, signifying his acceptance into the knightly order.
5. Nobility of Character:
- Chivalry encouraged knights to be noble in character, just, and merciful. The film portrays instances where characters exhibit compassion and kindness, such as William’s empathy for his squire’s dreams and his reluctance to harm his opponents in jousting.
6. Religious Devotion:
- While not a central theme, the movie includes elements of religious devotion, such as prayers before battles and the presence of a chaplain.
It’s important to note that “A Knight’s Tale” is a fictionalized portrayal of chivalry and takes significant creative liberties. While the film captures certain aspects of the chivalric code, it’s not an accurate historical representation of the medieval era.