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 helmet with ‘humility’:
The helmet is given to the knight to signify humility, for a knight without humility cannot be obedient to the Order of Chivalry. And just as humility makes a man humble and causes him to cast down his gaze to the ground, so the helmet protects him from high things and makes him look to the ground, and it is the middle point between things high and low, for it covers the head which is the most high and principal member of a man’s body. And humility defends the Knight, who has the most noble of of nobility of his courage never abandon him, nor give him to malfeasance, wickedness, nor any evil habit.
Llull’s comparison of the knight’s helmet to humility serves as a reminder of the foundational role that humility plays in the life of a knight — or indeed, in anyone who seeks to live a virtuous life. The helmet, a symbol of protection and defense, represents how humility shields the soul from the dangers of pride, arrogance, and moral downfall. Just as the helmet covers the head, protecting the knight’s most vital and noble part, humility protects the mind and heart, ensuring that the knight remains grounded in the face of external challenges.
“The helmet is given to the knight to signify humility.”
In Llull’s vision, the knight’s helmet, a critical piece of armor, signifies humility as an essential virtue for living in accordance with the Order of Chivalry. Humility enables the knight to be obedient to higher principles, a reminder that no one is immune to pride or self-deception. Humility allows the knight to submit to guidance, learning, and a greater moral order—whether that be spiritual, communal, or personal. In many spiritual traditions, humility is seen as the gateway to wisdom. In Buddhism, for example, humility is tied to the practice of egolessness, where one recognizes the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things. In Christianity, humility is central to Christ’s teachings, reminding believers that true greatness lies in service to others.
“Humility makes a man humble and causes him to cast down his gaze to the ground.”
Llull points out that humility causes one to lower their gaze, symbolizing self-awareness and introspection. Looking down is not a sign of defeat but a recognition of one’s limitations and the need to remain grounded. The knight, by humbling himself, gains the ability to see things as they are, not as pride or ego might distort them. Many traditions share this image of humility as a virtue that grounds one in reality. In the Islamic tradition, humility (tawadu’) is about knowing one’s place in relation to God and others, accepting both strengths and weaknesses with grace.
“The helmet protects him from high things and makes him look to the ground.”
Here, Llull emphasizes that humility protects the knight from the dangers of lofty pride. Just as the helmet deflects blows from above, humility shields the knight from the destructive effects of overconfidence and hubris. This is an important reminder that pride, while often seen as a source of strength, can lead to moral failure if it goes unchecked. In the Taoist tradition, the principle of wu wei (effortless action) is tied to humility, where one remains aligned with the natural flow of life rather than striving for personal gain or recognition.
“It is the middle point between things high and low.”
Llull’s metaphor of the helmet as a “middle point” suggests that humility is the balance between high ambition and grounded reality. Humility is not about self-deprecation but about maintaining a balanced perspective. Just as the helmet sits atop the body, protecting the head, humility allows the knight to navigate both the heights of nobility and the realities of daily life. Many spiritual traditions speak of this balance. In the Bhagavad Gita, humility is considered an essential virtue for attaining self-realization, a balance between acknowledging one’s divine potential while remaining detached from ego-driven desires.
“Humility defends the knight, who has the most noble office.”
For Llull, humility is not only a personal virtue but a protective force that ensures the knight remains worthy of his noble role. The knight’s position of authority and responsibility demands humility, for without it, the knight could easily succumb to corruption, arrogance, or cruelty. In this sense, humility becomes a form of moral armor, safeguarding the knight’s soul from the temptations that come with power. This idea is echoed in many spiritual teachings. In Confucianism, humility is a vital component of de (virtue), where leaders are expected to rule not by force but by moral example and humility.
“That the nobility of his courage never abandon him, nor give him to malfeasance.”
Lastly, Llull notes that humility prevents the knight from abandoning his noble courage or falling into evil habits. Humility is not opposed to courage; rather, it strengthens it. True courage is not arrogance or recklessness, but the ability to act with wisdom, knowing one’s limitations and strengths. Humility ensures that the knight’s courage is not misguided by pride but directed by honor and virtue. In many spiritual traditions, courage and humility are seen as complementary virtues. In Zen Buddhism, for instance, humility allows one to face the challenges of life with a calm, grounded mind, free from the illusions of self-importance.
In conclusion, Llull’s metaphor of the helmet as humility reveals that this virtue is not merely about modesty but is a powerful protective force that enables the knight to fulfill his noble duties. Humility shields the knight from pride, grounds him in reality, and allows him to maintain the balance between ambition and moral responsibility. Across spiritual traditions, humility is seen as essential for personal growth, wisdom, and moral leadership. Llull’s vision of humility as the knight’s helmet reminds us that true strength lies not in exalting oneself but in recognizing the importance of staying grounded, open to learning, and committed to a higher moral calling.
