Not only were knights expected to have great strength and leadership in times of war but they were also expected to be kind-hearted servants of the people when not at war. This non-wartime conduct became better known as chivalry. This was the code of conduct and the way of life for knights. Chivalry was often described as the perfect qualification for being a knight. The honor of being a knight and following the chivalrous way of life were inseparable ideas.
By accepting the knighthood, knights were required to accept and abide by this code of conduct. As a result of this acceptance, knights were pledging to be audacious, compassionate, benevolent, gracious, devoted, considerate, courageous, attentive, calm, and enduring. Additionally, knights promised to defend the weak, be courteous to women, loyal to their king, and serve God at all times. If a knight did not follow this code, a punishment may be the consequence. This punishment could result in the loss of knighthood.
I know that sometimes when soldiers come back from Iraq they can't be well behaved like they're supposed to. So it must have been even worse for theses knights who lived in a hostile enviournment.
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