The Nine Worthies
The Nine Worthies
“Nine worthies were they called, of different rites-
Three Jews, three pagans, and three Christian knights.”
The Nine Worthies were first referred to as such by a Frenchman,
Jean de Longuyon who wrote of them in the Vows of the Peacock about 1312 AD.
They were divided into triads as champions of the times of Pagan times,
Old Testament times, and New Testament, or Christian times.
These Nine Worthies became a common theme for literature and art
of the Middle Ages and covered many of the chivalric concepts for people.
They all brought glory and honor to their nations and were all noted for
their personal prowess in battle.Also, as individuals, they displayed some outstanding
quality of chivalry that made them outstanding examples of Knighthood.
Many books have been written about them both collectively as the Nine Worthies,
and also individually. Their deeds and exploits go far beyond what is presented here.
From Pagan times, there were Hector of Troy, Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great.
From Old Testament times there were Joshua, King David, and Judas Maccabeus.
From New Testament or Christian times were King Arthur, Charlemagne,
and Godfrey de Bouillon.
Hector of Troy - A leader of Troy in ancient times,
Hector would be called a General today.
Hector led the armies of Troy against its enemies and is the subject of much
ancient writing.He is one of the main characters in Homer’s Iliad
and although some consider him to be one of the “fables” of ancient times,
he was a very real person. He was credited with killing as many as 99 Kings
of various countries that were enemies of Troy. His bravery and prowess in battle
were renown throughout the ancient world until Achilles killed him by an act of treachery.
His body was then dragged around the walls of Troy behind Achilles chariot.
In The Parlement of Thre Ages, Hector was referred to as Sir Ector.
Julius Caesar - The Julius Caesar of the Nine Worthies is not the Caesar many remember
to be Emperor of Rome. That was his nephew. Our Caesar was a General in the Roman
army and is remembered for his conquests. His leadership, courage and determination
helped the roman legions conquer lands stretching from England to the Middle East
and expand the Roman Empire. Caesar was also known in the Parlement as Sir Sezere.
Alexander the Great - Alexander is known as a world conqueror also. His success in battle
created an empire from Rome to Egypt to the far reaches of the Middle East in the area of
present day Iraq. His soldiers were known for their nobility and prowess in battle and this
is a good reflection on Alexander’s qualities as King and General. Alexander himself was
also known for his generosity or largesse. Alexander made his generals into Kings of
conquered lands and his soldiers rich with loot. Known as Sir Alexander in the
Parlement,
prior to his death, he left 12 kingdoms bequeathed to his various knights.
This is the beginning of the term “dussypers”, or twelve peers.
Joshua - Joshua is perhaps best known for the Old Testament, Battle of Jericho.
He was the secular successor to Moses as leader of the tribes of Israel.
Because of his faithfulness to God, and his loyalty to the house of Moses,
his army succeeded in conquering not only Canaan,
which was the land promised to the ten tribes by God, but also a dozen
other lands, which stood between Egypt and the Holy Land.
His ability as a warrior was tested throughout the times by the harshness of the land and times.
King David - David, the King of Israel was known for his prowess as a warrior,
his courtesy, and his nobility. He was the chosen of God, being raised up from
a shepherd to a General and led the armies of Israel to establish a single kingdom of Israel.
He is known for his bravery when as a boy,
he fought and defeated the giant Goliath.
David’s demeanor represented the divine recognition of the truly noble
until he broke a feudal bond by sending his general Uriah into battle to die,
so that David could be with Uriah’s wife, Bethsabee.
David later repented for this and was forgiven by God.
Judas Maccabaeus - Judas was the leader of a rebellion against the Romans.
Rome had placed religious restrictions on the nation of Israel and the entire nation
was outraged. General Judas gained victory in the face of overwhelming odds
and restored the Temple to a state of purity. His defense of the faith was a strong
King Arthur - King Arthur Pendragon was regarded as historical fact in the
Middle Ages and not just a “fairy tale”. His career as King of Britain was marked
by nobility and chivalry. His court counted the best knights in the world as members
and was a source of order and prosperity for Britain. Most consider Arthur
to be an example of chivalric virtues; courtesy, loyalty, frankness, hardiness,
largess and prowess were traits that he is credited with.
Charlemagne was a legendary conqueror of Europe during the so-called Dark Ages.
His rule of Europe as a “land” began when he was crowned by the Pope.
Charlemagne used the power and faith of the church to rule the times and is
credited with bringing a peace and stability to Europe. His armies defeated
He is regarded as a fine example of wisdom and lawgiving.
Godfrey of Bouillion was the first of the Crusader kings who tried to free the holy
lands and make them safe for Christians after they had been invaded and occupied
by the Arabs, or Turks. He led his armies across Europe and into the holy lands,
driving back the “forces of darkness” and leaving the land safe for Christians
to travel and live in. His reputation followed him through the centuries and as
much as 200 years later, the Church was using the name of Godfrey to raise
forces to free the holy lands once again.
If we look at the Nine Worthies, we can see at least some of the virtues of Chivalry
collectively represent the goal that each true Knight should try to
attain in his personal life.
Liberality. They were generous and quick to recognize others needs
and desires.
Glory. The recognition of their deeds and actions followed them, not
only wherever they went, but through time as well.
Courtesy. Their nobility and manners were never in doubt (with the one
exception of David when he made his mistake mentioned above).
Honor. They knew what was right, and what was just.
Unselfishness. They made sure that not only their generals and soldiers,
but the people of their lands as well, received benefit of their rule.
Bravery. They were brave in battle, and brave when facing overwhelming
odds. They never wavered in their determination to defeat their enemies.
Good Faith. They trusted in God and in the goodness and honor of their
generals, their soldiers, and their peers to do what was right and just for the
Kingdom.
Pride. They knew their own achievements and character, yet did
not let their own positions take them beyond the realm of reality
or honesty with themselves. They were not “Gods”, as was later said about
the Emperors of Rome.
Loyalty. Their belief and faithfulness to God, or their countries
(in the case of the Pagan Worthies), led them to their successes and guided
them in all their tasks.
