The Book of the Order of Chivalry (c. 1275), was written by Ramon Llull (1232–1315), a polymath and Christian mystic from Majorca. Llull thought that knights should be chosen, trained, and ordained like priests. Llull’s book became a handbook of chivalry throughout much of Europe. Being a Christian mystic, of course he writes about Chivalry using Christian vocabulary. But I think his ideas transcend any particular Spiritual Tradition.
Llull wrote over 250 books on a wide range of subjects, including theology, philosophy, logic, science, and even poetry. (And one on Chivalry!) He is best known for his book Ars Magna — a groundbreaking philosophical and logical system that aimed to uncover universal truths using mathematics — now considered the invention of Mathematical Combinatorics. He was also known for his interest in memory and logical systems more generally: his method of linking virtues to physical objects is an example of the ancient memory technique known as the Memory Palace.
An overview of the Order of Chivalry, and a linked table of contents to all my blogs (with music) on various chapters of Llull’s book can be found HERE.
Here Llull equates the saddle with ‘confidence’:
The saddle in which the knight sits when he rides, signifies confidence of courage, the charge and the great burden of Chivalry. For as by the saddle a knight is sure upon his horse, likewise confidence of courage makes a knight to be in the forefront of battle, by which confidence, good fortune becomes the friend of Chivalry. And by confidence much cowardly boasting and many vain semblances are scorned, which make men cowards instead of hardy and strong of courage…. And by the saddle is signified the charge of a knight, for the saddle, as we have said, holds the knight firm and sure upon his horse, so that he may not fall nor move lightly but as he will. And therefore the saddle, which is so great, signifies the charge of Chivalry, that the knight ought in no way move for trivial things.
Llull’s comparison of the knight’s saddle to confidence in courage underscores the importance of a steady and unwavering spirit in the life of a knight. Just as the saddle holds the knight firm upon his horse, confidence provides the knight with the inner stability necessary to face the burdens and challenges of Chivalry. Confidence, in Llull’s view, is not mere bravado, but a deep, grounded assurance that enables the knight to stand firm in battle and remain true to his responsibilities.
“The saddle signifies confidence of courage, the charge and the great burden of Chivalry.”
The saddle, which secures the knight upon his horse, represents the confidence that anchors the knight in his duties. Llull links this confidence to courage, suggesting that a knight must trust in his own strength and ability to carry the heavy burden of Chivalry. This confidence is not arrogance but a quiet assurance that allows the knight to move forward with purpose and resolve. In many spiritual traditions, confidence is rooted in faith or self-trust, providing the inner strength necessary to face life’s trials. In the Bhagavad Gita, for instance, Arjuna must regain his confidence in the midst of battle, trusting in his duty and the higher purpose of his actions.
“By the saddle, a knight is sure upon his horse, likewise confidence of courage makes a knight to be in the forefront of battle.”
Just as the saddle keeps the knight steady and secure on his horse, confidence allows the knight to lead in battle without fear. Confidence gives the knight the ability to face danger head-on, knowing that his courage and skills will carry him through. This steady confidence allows the knight to take his place in the forefront, inspiring others through his calm and determined leadership. In many warrior traditions, confidence is seen as essential to leadership. The Stoic philosophers, for example, emphasized the importance of inner confidence in facing life’s challenges, maintaining that one’s sense of self-worth and strength must come from within rather than external circumstances.
“By confidence, good fortune becomes the friend of Chivalry.”
Llull suggests that confidence attracts success, allowing the knight to win the favor of fortune. This idea reflects the notion that confidence, when rooted in courage and preparation, often leads to favorable outcomes. The knight who moves forward with conviction, unshaken by fear or doubt, is more likely to succeed in his endeavors. This aligns with the belief found in many spiritual and philosophical traditions that confidence and faith lead to positive outcomes. In the Taoist tradition, for instance, moving with wu wei (effortless action) involves trusting in the flow of life, where confidence in one’s path often aligns with natural harmony and success.
“Much cowardly boasting and many vain semblances are scorned.”
True confidence, as Llull describes it, allows the knight to see through cowardly boasting and false displays of strength. A knight with confidence does not need to exaggerate his abilities or engage in empty bravado—his actions speak for themselves. This kind of quiet, humble confidence rejects superficial displays of power and focuses instead on real courage and capability. In Zen Buddhism, the concept of mushin (no mind) suggests that confidence arises from a clear, uncluttered mind, free from the need for pretense or boasting. The knight, too, embodies this calm and unshakable confidence.
“The saddle holds the knight firm and sure upon his horse, so that he may not fall nor move lightly but as he will.”
Llull emphasizes that the saddle gives the knight control, ensuring that he remains steady and firm, even in the heat of battle. Similarly, confidence provides the knight with control over his actions, allowing him to move with purpose and intent, rather than being swayed by fear or doubt. Confidence allows the knight to act decisively, knowing that his judgment and abilities are sound. This reflects a broader spiritual principle that confidence, when rooted in wisdom and self-knowledge, brings freedom of action. In Confucianism, the concept of li (ritual propriety) teaches that confidence in one’s moral standing allows for purposeful and dignified action.
“The saddle signifies the charge of Chivalry, that the knight ought in no way move for trivial things.”
Finally, the saddle symbolizes the great responsibilities that the knight bears in Chivalry. Just as the saddle holds the knight steady, confidence ensures that the knight remains unmoved by trivial matters. Llull reminds us that true confidence comes from a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, not from reacting to every minor challenge or distraction. The knight’s confidence allows him to focus on what is truly important, carrying the weight of his duties with grace and resolve. In spiritual traditions, this focus on higher purpose is often tied to confidence. In Islam, tawakkul (trust in God) emphasizes that confidence in a higher purpose allows one to face life’s challenges without being overwhelmed by minor concerns.
In conclusion, Llull’s metaphor of the saddle as confidence reflects the essential role that courage and inner assurance play in the life of a knight. Just as the saddle keeps the knight steady upon his horse, confidence allows the knight to face the burdens and challenges of Chivalry with strength and resolve. Across spiritual traditions, confidence is seen as a necessary virtue for leadership, purpose, and success. Llull’s vision reminds us that true confidence is not about boasting or superficial displays of power, but about the steady, grounded assurance that comes from knowing one’s path and carrying out one’s duties with courage and grace.
