Jung Ritter lere / got lip haben frawen io ere / So wechst dein ere Uebe ritterschaft und lere / kunst dy dich zyret und in krigen sere hofiret Ringens gut fesser / glefney sper swert unde messer menlich bederben / unde in andern henden vorterben Haw dreyn und hort dar / rawsche ym trif ader la farn das in dy weisen hassen dy man siet preisen Dorauf dich zosse alle ding haben lenge unde mosse Und was du wilt treiben by guter vornunft saltu bleiben czu crust ader czu schimpf / habe froelichen mut mit limpf So magstu achten und mit gutem mute betrachten Was du solt fueren und keyn im dich rueren Wen guter mut mit kraft macht eyns wedersache czagehaft dornoch dich richte gib keynem forteil mit ichte Tumkunheit meide vier ader sechs nicht vortreibe mit deynem oebermut biss sitik das ist dir gut / der ist eyn kuener man der synem gleichen tar bestan Is ist nicht schande vier ader sechs flien von hande [fol. 18r]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A medieval knight’s instruction emphasizes love for God, reverence for women, honor, disciplined combat, and measured ambition.
- In plain terms
- Knights should love God, respect women, act honorably, fight skillfully, and keep ambition in check.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance devotion, respect, skill, and humility in pursuit of honor.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Which of these virtues are still relevant today?
- How can ambition be restrained without stifling growth?
Another view
Modern contexts may not map directly onto medieval values.
More from Johannes Lichtenauer
Translation: Young Knight learn to love God and revere women so that your honour grows. Practice knighthood and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings yo…
Permalink to quote #2 David Lindholm & Peter Svard, Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword, Paladin Press (2003), ISBN 1-58160-410-6
Permalink to quote #3 Christian Henry Tobler, Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship (2001), ISBN 1-891448-07-2
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
War is inevitable, and this time, it will be truly world wide. It will unravel everywhere and there will be no limit to its battlefields. The condemnations of …
Otto SkorzenyOtto Skorzeny quote #1 My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with f…
Margaret Chase SmithMargaret Chase Smith quote #1 This is the greatest honour I have ever received in my life. Peace has always been my greatest concern. Yet in my childhood I learned to love it. My mother-an …
Pablo CasalsPablo Casals quote #1