Chivalry [shiv-uh l-ree] (n.) the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms. If you want to date us, please have at least one of these qualities. At the risk of sounding like our grandmothers, we think they’re become rarer and rarer these days. But you know the one place we can always count on for some gentlemanly behavior? Disney movies. So the next time you (read: us) come home from a particularly bad date, remember one of these moments and rest assured that one day, your prince will come.
When Aladdin Offers Jasmine his Hand
Our hearts melt every time.
When Prince Edward Steps Aside for Giselle’s True Love
Realizing it’s time to let someone go, and doing so with a generous heart, isn’t easy. Edward does both with grace, and with really, really puffy sleeves.
When Robin Hoods Fights for Maid Marian’s Hand
Why hasn’t anyone entered an archery contest for us? Someone please enter an archery contest for us.
When Kristoff Helps Anna to Elsa’s Castle
Sure, she has to ask multiple times, and he’s reluctant throughout, but this still counts because as much as Kristoff tries to hide it, he’s a true gent through and through.
When Beast Sets Belle Free
Beast loves Belle so much that he has to let her go. It’s so tragically beautiful that we cry every single time he gives her that mirror to remember him by.
When Bert Takes Mary and the Kids on a Jolly Holiday
First of all, this man can do no wrong in our book. But when he brings joy to the kids hearts by drawing up an amazing afternoon full of wonder and candy apples, we pretty much fall in love with him.
When O’Malley Meets Duchess
He sings her an entire song about his carefree way of life and then goes out of his way to help her and her kittens. Also, he’s so jazzy (not mandatory for chivalric duties, but it doesn’t hurt).
When Snow White’s Prince Sings to Her
He only has one song and he sings it for her. Now he is out of songs, which would be really sad. We love songs! But he’s fallen head over heels with Snow at first sight, and that’s just lovely.
When Prince Charming Whisks Cinderella onto the Floor
Every other woman in the room disappears, and all the prince can see is Cinderella. The way he looks at her! He’s in awe of her and we’re in awe of this moment.
When Will Turner Risks Everything for Elizabeth Swann
He knows that he’ll probably be thrown in jail or hanged for what he’s about to do, but none of that matters to Will. Elizabeth is worth risking it all.
When Flynn Tells Rapunzel the Truth
Valor doesn’t only exist on the battlefield. By telling Rapunzel that he’s really Eugene Fitzherbet, orphan with a vivid imagination, Flynn reveals himself in a way that he hasn’t to anyone else. His honesty is the most meaningful thing he can give her.
What’s your favorite moment of chivalry from a Disney movie? Tell us in the comments!
