HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE PACK Cracking the Knight’s Code HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Teachers’ Notes

Cracking the Knight’s Code

In illustrating the origins of heraldry, the exhibition introduces the culture of knighthood and the concept of chivalry. As the middle ages progressed, chivalry became more concerned with mannerly and courtly behaviour than with particular battlefield skills. Many of the chivalrous qualities mentioned in the ‘Song of ’ are comparable to the attributes that make people good citizens today.

This activity presents the class with simplified extracts from ‘’. The children are challenged to use their historical and linguistic skills to crack Roland’s code and to compile a list of chivalrous qualities. This activity can be undertaken alone, or in conjunction with the following activity which looks at why society needs codes and rules.

Begin by reminding the class of the parts of the knight’s code they read in the exhibition:

_ To protect the weak and defenceless _ To live by honour and for glory _ To fight for the welfare of all _ To complete all the tasks you begin _ To obey those placed in authority _ To speak the truth at all times

Divide the class into groups and give each group a different activity sheet.

Once the groups have answered all of their questions, regroup to compare answers before compiling a central list of qualities. The children might think of some scenarios in which they demonstrate each of the qualities in their own dealings with their friends and family. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group One

Cracking the Knight’s Code

This is an extract from ‘The Song of Roland’ (the entire poem is over 4,000 lines long!). Read the extract and then answer the questions below.

Roland is proud and is wise, Both of them show marvellous courage. Once they are on their horses and have picked up their arms, They would rather die than not go to battle. These men are good and their language is good and pure. Thieves and bad men are afraid of them.

Circle any words that apply to Roland and his friend Oliver:

Boastful Proud Well-mannered Brave Unwise Strong Dishonest Kind Wise Good HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group One

Based on what you have read, write a motto for Roland’s coat of arms. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Two

Cracking the Knight’s Code

This is an extract from ‘The Song of Roland’ (the entire poem is over 4,000 lines long!). Read the extract and then answer the questions below.

Oliver says to Roland ‘Come here and see, Our enemies are very near but King Charles is far away. Blow on your trumpet to call the King and his men. If he was here, we would not be afraid.’ Roland says: ‘How can you say such a thing! Weak is the heart of the man who thinks like a coward! We shall stay where we are until our enemies arrive.’

Circle the words that apply to Roland.

Draw a line under the words that apply to his friend Oliver:

Brave Determined Afraid Honest

Who do you think behaves more like a knight in this extract, Roland or Oliver? Give a reason for your answer. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Two

Based on what you have read, write a motto for Roland’s coat of arms. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Three

Cracking the Knight’s Code

This is an extract from ‘The Song of Roland’ (the entire poem is over 4,000 lines long!). Read the extract and then answer the questions below.

When Roland sees that it is time to do combat, He becomes fiercer than a lion or leopard; Count Roland, when he sees his enemies approach Becomes bold* and determined and fierce. So long as he’s alive he will not give in. He sits on his horse, which he calls , Pricking him well with the golden spurs on his boots. Through the gathering crowds he goes to meet the enemy.

* ‘Bold’ in this sense means ‘brave’, or ‘daring’

Circle any words below that apply to Roland:

Brave Determined Afraid Daring Lazy Badly Behaved HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Three

Based on what you have read, write a motto for Roland’s coat of arms. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Four

Cracking the Knight’s Code

This is an extract from ‘The Song of Roland’ (the entire poem is over 4,000 lines long!). Read the extract and then answer the questions below.

The Count Roland has never loved cowards, Or arrogant men, or those with evil hearts, Or knights who did not obey authority.

The poem lists the types of men that Roland does not like. What type of men do you think he then prefers? Write down a list of qualities that are the opposite of those mentioned in the poem. HERALDRY Coats of Arms Uncovered! Activity Sheet: Group Four

Based on what you have read, write a motto for Roland’s coat of arms.