Nine Worthies

The nine worthies are a group of nine legendary figures from history who were believed to represent the perfect embodiment of chivalric ideals. These figures were divided into three groups of three, with each group representing three different types of chivalry: Pagan, Jewish, and Christian.

The pagan group includes Hector, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar. Hector was a hero from ancient Troy who fought in the Trojan War; Alexander the Great was a famous Greek king and conqueror; and Julius Caesar was a famous Roman emperor and general.

The Jewish group includes Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus. Joshua was a leader of the Israelites who helped them conquer the land of Canaan; David was a famous king of Israel who defeated the giant Goliath; and Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish general who led a successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire.

The Christian group includes King Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon. King Arthur was a legendary British king who led the Knights of the Round Table; Charlemagne was a famous Frankish king and warrior who led the Carolingian Empire; and Godfrey of Bouillon was a Crusader who helped capture Jerusalem from the Muslims.

The concept of the nine worthies was popularized during the Middle Ages, and they were often depicted in art and literature. They were seen as role models of chivalry and valor, and their stories were used to inspire knights and nobles to be brave and honorable in battle.