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The Medieval Era saw the emergence of two distinct warrior classes in Europe and Japan. These were the Samurais and the Knights. They were marked in history as a code for courage and sacrifice. Never had the world seen such courageous and dedicated military class before them. Although, they represented two different cultures; they were similar in several ways. The Samurais were the military class warriors of Japan.
These warriors acted as retainers to greater lords, fighters, and the enforcers of policy and morality. Their importance and influence grew during the Heian Period (794 - 1185) when the powerful landowners hired them for the protection of their properties. The knights on the other hand were the most significant figure of the feudal system of the European Middle Ages. The word knight derived from the Old English word cniht, the equivalent of the Latin word caballarius, meaning horseman.
The Knights duty was very much similar like the Samurais. They were hired to protect land and the people. Ironically, the Samurais and the Knights came from noble families, since horses, armor, and weapons were costly and their use required long training. They stood at the top of the social hierarchy and had many privileges. On the other hand, they was supposed to be a good example to the lower classes and had to follow the principles of their religion.
The samurai's and Knights most important principles are unlimited loyalty to his master, extreme self-discipline, and brave, selfless behavior. These great warriors had one aim; to serve their lord and be successful. The Japanese Samurai and Western European Knights were similar in their approach to conflict. They fought for their position status and to gain ones aim. A Knights appearance on a battlefield was very similar to that of a Samurai. A Knight in armor would present a very strange appearance on a modern battlefield.
His prancing steed and metal coat of mail, the heavy iron helmet that covered his head, the shield that he carried on his left arm, his lance and shinning sword. The Samurai had armor along with swords, bows and arrows. Where the Samurais followed the rules of Bushido where as the Knights followed the rules of chivalry. Like the rules of chivalry that prevailed in Medieval Bushido was based on sack virtues as rectitude, endurance, frugality, courage, politeness, veracity, and especially loyalty to ruler and country.
Hence both these supreme races of warriors followed rules bounded by their religion. In a sense they were religious military men whose aim was to serve its ruler, country, and its people. The Knights even looked for conflicts to engage during peacetime. Fighting was almost an everyday occurrence. The common people in times of danger fled to the castles or strongholds owned by nobles. The institution of knighthood was part of this feudal system.
The samurai on the other hand gave their society moral values and acted as sentinels of peace. The warriors followed their own code of ethical behavior known as bushido, which remained orally transmitted for generations. Their primary weapon was their sword (katana) and it was the distinguishing mark of the Samurai. After losing his honor, a samurai would rather kill himself by cutting his stomach with his sword than to continue a disgraced life. Such suicide is called Seppuku (or Hara-kiri: "to cut the stomach). Their aim was to achieve their goal.
According to them it was cowardice to continue to live without achieving their aim. To die without gaining one's aim was a dog's death and fanaticism. Loyalty was said to be important in the pledge between lord and retainer. Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Rules Of Chivalry Samurais And The Knights Samurai
