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 knight’s sword with ‘justice’:
To the knight is given a sword which is made in the shape of a cross to signify that just as our Lord God vanquished on the cross the death of human lineage, to which he was judged for the sin of our the cross with the sword. For Chivalry is to maintain justice, and therefore the sword is double-edged, signifying that he should uphold Chivalry and Justice with the sword.
Llull’s metaphor of the knight’s sword as justice reflects an enduring principle that resonates beyond any particular spiritual or cultural context. The sword, a tool of defense and protection, becomes a powerful symbol for the pursuit of justice—an ideal central to all ethical systems. Llull’s description reveals how justice, like the sword, is both powerful and purposeful, a force that can be wielded for the good of society and the individual alike.
“The sword is made in the shape of a cross.”
The shape of the sword, resembling a cross, connects justice to the idea of sacrifice and moral duty. Just as in Christianity the cross represents a profound act of sacrifice for the salvation of humanity, the sword symbolizes the knight’s duty to sacrifice personal gain or comfort for the sake of justice. In this way, the sword is not merely a tool of force but a reminder that justice is often achieved through selflessness, discipline, and even personal cost. This concept is not exclusive to Christianity but echoes in various traditions. For example, in Buddhism, the Bodhisattva’s path reflects a commitment to alleviating the suffering of others, while in Hinduism, the notion of dharma emphasizes one’s duty to uphold righteousness, even at personal expense.
“The sword signifies that Chivalry is to maintain justice.”
In Llull’s worldview, the knight’s chivalric role is deeply intertwined with the pursuit of justice. This idea extends beyond the medieval notion of chivalry and connects to broader ideas of moral duty found in many cultures. In the Confucian tradition, for instance, the idea of yi (righteousness) reflects a similar responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in all one’s actions. The knight’s sword, therefore, becomes a universal symbol of how individuals in positions of power or responsibility must serve justice, not wield power for selfish gain.
“The sword is double-edged, signifying that he should uphold Chivalry and Justice with the sword.”
The double-edged nature of the sword signifies balance and the dual nature of justice. True justice must be impartial, applied equally to all, and capable of defending the innocent while punishing wrongdoing. One edge represents mercy, and the other severity—justice requires both, applied in the right measure. Many spiritual traditions emphasize this duality in justice. In Islam, for example, justice (adl) requires both compassion and firmness, and in ancient Greek philosophy, Plato’s concept of justice balances wisdom, courage, and temperance. In this sense, the sword as a double-edged instrument reflects the careful judgment necessary to maintain harmony in the world, ensuring that justice is fair and proportionate.
“The sword symbolizes that justice is active.”
Llull’s metaphor also conveys that justice, like the sword, is not passive—it requires action. A sword in its sheath is useless in a time of need, just as justice, left unfulfilled, allows injustice to flourish. The act of drawing the sword reflects the knight’s willingness to intervene when necessary, standing up for what is right and defending the vulnerable. This resonates with the Hindu principle of karma, which emphasizes that righteous action, when performed without attachment to personal outcomes, helps maintain cosmic order. Similarly, in Taoism, wu wei (effortless action) suggests that sometimes justice requires intervention that flows from deep alignment with the natural order.
“Justice is rooted in moral and spiritual authority.”
The cross-shape of the sword also reminds us that justice is not merely a human construct, but something deeper, connected to higher moral or spiritual principles. The knight’s sword, given to him as a divine tool, reflects the idea that justice is not arbitrary but rooted in a universal order, a concept shared across spiritual traditions. In Christianity, justice is tied to the divine law of love and compassion, while in Buddhism, the Eightfold Path provides guidelines for ethical conduct based on the truths of existence. The sword, in this context, becomes a reminder that justice must align with a higher sense of truth, wisdom, and harmony.
“Justice as a sacred duty.”
The image of the knight with his sword as a protector of justice reminds us that this duty is sacred and universal. It is not about dominance or vengeance but about maintaining order and balance in the world. Many spiritual traditions elevate justice to a sacred responsibility. In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) calls for acts of justice as a way to improve the world. In ancient Egyptian religion, ma’at (truth and justice) was seen as the principle that maintained the universe, and every individual was responsible for contributing to that cosmic order.
In conclusion, Llull’s metaphor of the sword as justice reflects a timeless ideal: that justice must be active, balanced, and rooted in higher principles. Whether through the imagery of the cross or the double edges of the sword, Llull’s vision calls us to understand justice as both a moral and spiritual duty, a force that requires personal sacrifice, discernment, and the will to act for the greater good. Across spiritual traditions, justice is seen as essential for creating harmony and preserving the well-being of both individuals and the larger community, a reflection of the eternal struggle between chaos and order, wrong and right, falsehood and truth.
