Ideal Male Behavior in European Medieval Culture Essay

Ideal Male conduct in European Medieval Culture - Essay ExampleOn his part the Cid stands out as an ideal representative of what is masculine. The events that follow serves to illustrate the ideal male behavior based on the chivalric Spain culture with the Cids character is contrasted that of the Infantes. During this period, it is evident that men are supposed to be festive even when their lives are at risk. The youthful Infantes of Carrion are in a testing period of date during their stay with the Cid who had already proven himself as the hero through his exploits that brought a lot of success in battlefield and wealth. During the period, a part proved his worth in the battle field through undaunted actions when called upon to defend the community. The Infantes of Carrion are called upon to prove their worth in two occasions, when the lion brakes free and when the moors attacked. Since the Cid had disposed his daughters to them, they were not only supposed to be brave durin g the times of attacks but to be loyal to the Cid through championing of his course whenever a chance arises (Third Cantar 144). The Infantes of Carrion are given the first opportunity to prove themselves worthy of marring the Cids daughters in the event when the lion escapes from it cage. This incidence was a good chance for the infantes of Carrion to be brave and protect their father in law but instead great fear seized them in the middle of the hall. bit Cids men prepared to defend their lord, Fernando Gonzalez crawled under the Cids couch while Diego Gonzalez ran out screaming that he will never see his home again and hid behind the wine press (Third Cantar 144). The Cid as the embodiment of what is masculine wakes up to find his loyal men surrounding his couch and moves to father instruction of the situation his brave approach makes the lion docile and he taken back to the cage. The way the bulk celebrates the Cids actions while at the same time jeering the Infantes of Carr ions, shows that the medieval culture respected big behavior while they looked down upon co state of wardice. The ability to fight and be victorious in the battlefield is hotshot of the most celebrated, masculine traits in the medieval culture. Fighting provided an opportunity for men to add and secure territorial control in addition to protecting their own and lords lives. Therefore, men were expected to be courageous, tough and aggressive which was necessary for them to exercise their skills in the use of weapons such as lance and swords. However, the Infantes of Carrion seeks to take advantage of other peoples heroic wins in the battle field to gain wealth seen from the way the take advantage of their relationship with the Cid. To shame the Infantes of Carrion, each of the Cids vassals recounts his part in the war while mocking the Infantes since they were not seen during the battle (Third Cantar 155). The period also took pride in a mans personal gains and contributions to so ciety as opposed to the privileges with what one was born. The Infantes of Carrion thought that since they were from a royal descent in Carrion, a man and wife to the daughters of Cid was below them (Third Cantar 157). After the Infantes of Carrion beat the daughters of Cid and are taken to court, it is ruled that they were vile and as punishment, they were to return the gifts and all the wealth that they were given by the Cid in addition to the nullification of their marriage with the daughters of Cid. King Alfonzo proves the Cid had acquired a higher social status when he gives consent for the daughters of