| Glory Glory is akin to our notion of fame, but it has a distinctly martial tone to it. Glory meant prestige, for one's self and for one's family, but that prestige was won through deeds done in combat. Glory could also be won by pious donations or other public acts, but warfare was by far the most important source. Glory was the public testimony of one's prowess. Glory could be won at tournaments or in war; the more prestigious the event, the more opportunity for winning glory. The phrase itself is telling: glory was a prize won on the battlefield, like plunder. It was therefore important for a knight to have opportunities for winning glory. The battle itself might go either way, but the individual knight would be satisfied only if he had his chance at glory. This was one more factor in undermining discipline on the battlefield. Fighting for glory did not preclude taking every opportunity for making a profit. Indeed, carrying off great piles of loot was itself a glorious act. Plunder showed the depths of the enemy's defeat, and at the same time enabled the knight to distribute gifts to his followers and comrades. How did a knight become famous? Through story and song. This meant through the troubadors and minstrels who wandered from court to court. Also through word of mouth among his peers. But if he wanted lasting fame, then only story and song would do. By the high Middle Ages the written word was another source of lasting glory, and biographies were commissioned, often by sons for their illustrious fathers. |