The institution of the chivalric code around 1170 expanded the rules of knighthood beyond military conduct to include guidelines for courtly behavior and manners. This code dictated respectful courtship towards aristocratic ladies, shaping the ideals of romance and honor in medieval society. The chivalric code became a foundational element of European culture, influencing literature, art, and social norms for centuries.

The institution of the Chivalric Code in 1170 directly inspired the Arthurian romances of Chrétien de Troyes, establishing a literary tradition that celebrated the knight-and-lady dynamic. This code influenced the portrayal of love, valor, and honor in Western poetry, shaping the ideals of chivalry in literature.