The chivalric code is a set of ideals and ethical guidelines that governed the behavior of knights during the Middle Ages. It emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, loyalty, and respect for women. Knights were expected to protect the weak and uphold justice, reflecting the values of feudal society. This code was often romanticized in literature, particularly in Arthurian legends and tales of King Arthur and his knights. The chivalric code influenced not only military conduct but also social interactions, shaping the expectations of noble behavior in medieval Europe.