…there is one thing, among many others, concerning knights errant that seems objectionable to me, and it is that when they find themselves about to embark on a great and perilous adventure, in which there is a manifest danger that they will lose their lives, never at the moment of undertaking it do they think of commending themselves to God, as every Christian is obliged to do at times of danger; instead, they commend themselves to their ladies with as much zeal and devotion as if those ladies were their God, and to me this seems to have a somewhat heathenish smell.
The quote highlights a criticism regarding the behavior of knights errant, who embark on dangerous quests without seeking divine guidance or protection through prayer. Instead of turning to God in times of peril, they express their devotion solely to their ladies, elevating them to a divine status. This practice, according to the speaker, seems to reflect a misplaced sense of priorities that borders on paganism, as it neglects essential Christian duties of faith and reliance on God during critical moments.
This perspective raises broader questions about the values and motivations of these knights. By prioritizing their romantic ideals over spiritual obligations, they may be losing sight of the fundamental principles that should guide their actions. Thus, the speaker implies that true heroism should encompass both chivalric bravery and a grounding in faith, creating a more balanced and morally sound approach to the challenges they face.
