Similarities And Differences Between The Samurai Of Shogunate Japan And The Knights Of Europe

The two different warriors both had their own codes in which they followed. This help them to reach the height of their success we now know today. The Samurai code more commonly know as the Bushido (“The way of life”) code is a unwritten code of conduct and way of life. The eight virtues of boshido are rules that they must swear and never break. These are their Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Politeness, Sincerity, Honour, Loyalty, and Self-control. The knights code of conduct is know as the Chivalry code. During their knighthood they are needed to abide the vows of knighthood which include Fearing God and His Church, Serving the liege Lord in valor and faith, Protecting the weak and defenseless, Live by honour and for glory and to Respect the honour of women. The similarities of both codes are that they both live by honour, courage and politeness. Their codes are relatively similar as they needed to respect people. The differences between the two codes are that only one code is meditation. The Japanese are believers in Buddhism which teaches them self-control unlike the knights. The samurais are taught martial arts while the knights are taught jostling and fighting with swords. Their codes described their personal behaviour and made the warriors who they were.

The samurais and knights both shared similarities and differences in weapons. The samurais most used weapon was the katana. The katana was a long sword which was used for martial arts and on the battlefield. The katanas were made from pure steel and generally ranged from 60 to 80cm long. The samurais usually battled in colourful armour which was made out of leather or steel plates laced together. Gold and copper was added for more detailing and protection. The samurais armour protected their whole body except the legs. The knights used an arsenal of heavy iron weapons such as swords, axes, long bows, maces and shields. The sword was their most preferred weapon. They came in all different shapes and sizes, some knights preferred smaller swords so they could have a shield in their other hand and some preferred a much bigger sword but with no protection. Some knights used a longbow from further distances to snipe and bring down some of the enemy’s. The knights used chain mail armour which was very heavy and not flexible so they changed to iron in 1400s to provide better protection so no shield was needed and, more flexiable armour. The similarities that they both shared was that their sword (katana) were very similar in fact the only thing that separated them was the slight bend on the katana, which allowed a bigger critical hit. They did share very different armour as it was made out of different material. These weapons each led to the rise in their nations and power.

The samurais and knights each had their own social status. The samurais were the fourth highest on the hierarchy in Japanese society. They were ranked and respected very highly as they were the ones who protected their nation and were the people who fought in battles in wars. They were respected because they were very polite, nice and respected others. The knights were also ranked very highly just below the king and noble lords. The knights were respected because of they protected the weaker. They were like by many because they also respected women unlike any other culture. The similarities that the two warriors shared were that they were both respected highly and were very high on the hierarchy. As they protected the people they were repaid in respect. Some of the differences between the samurai and the knights social status was that the knights were slightly respected more. This may have been because they were respected by men and women.

References

• https://acelebrationofwomen.org/2017/03/the-bushido-code-the-eight-virtues-of-the-samurai/
• https://kids.kiddle.co/Bushido
• http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-knights/code-of-chivalry.htm
• https://people.howstuffworks.com/samurai2.htm
• https://www.jacplus.com.au/
• https://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/knight_armor_and_weapons.php
• https://www.quora.com/Culture-of-Japan-Is-the-slight-curvature-of-katanas-functional
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnKjmBxIr_U
• http://www.thefinertimes.com/Middle-Ages/social-classes-in-the-middle-ages.html