Recognition, perhaps. But no respect for its presence, nor for its prevalence in mortal affairs. Being noble, or pure... Whatever that is meant to imply, does not lessen the importance of these less savory aspects, nor does it somehow convey a greater ability to combat corruption as it arises.
If I may, an alternate point of view:
The reason that the Code of Chivalry even exists is to combat what you refer to as 'darkness'; the reason Knights take up the burden of Nobility is to combat darkness in all of its forms, to be an example to the people so they can see that rising above the darkness is not only possible, but necessary, or we will all fall into darkness.
I find it a constant struggle to trust and be trusted; to make sure my actions match my words (they do not always; I've made plenty of errors, but that does not mean I give up). But if I am able to give even one person the hope to live another day, is it not worth it?
Darkness is my enemy, and to lose respect for it is to be defeated by it, to die with my honor in shambles -- which I would rather cease to exist than let happen.
A couple of years ago, I compiled, compared, and contrasted several Codes from different lands and Knightly Orders. I think after reading them, you may have a different perspective...
The Code of Chivalry
As compiled by Sir Avaran,
Knight-Captain of Andar
September 612
While each individual order may have an addendum or small changes to their Code, this is the essential Code of Chivalry that all recognized orders I've heard of follow. I’ve also included a number of precepts that expand on the code. Some notes follow that describe how the code or its implementation differ among some common orders.
- I vow to: Respect the Weak, and Constitute myself The Defender of Them.
- I vow to: Love the Country to Which I have sworn fealty.
- I vow to: Serve my Liege-lord in Valor and Faith.
- I vow to: Obey those placed in authority.
- I vow to: Not Recoil Before my enemy.
- I vow to: Make war upon evil without cessation.
- I vow to: Perform scrupulously my feudal duties, if they not be contrary to the Laws of the Land.
- I vow to: Never lie, and I shall remain faithful to my pledged word.
- I vow to: be generous, and give largesse to all.
- I vow to: be everywhere and always be the champion of the right and the good against injustice and evil.
Scholar Sir R. William Price laid out precepts that all knights should share, explaining them more clearly for the uninitiated:
Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a Knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.
Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings true with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.
Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.
Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.
Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.
Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.
Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken but also all who call themselves knights.
Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.
Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit... Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.
As I’ve stated above, all recognized orders essentially follow the Code, as laid out above. There are some noted addendums and exceptions, however.
The Knights of Aneyal add:
“Thou shalt defend thy liege lord or thy charge to thine own death, if necessary.”
“…unless it will endanger your charge.” as an addendum to VIII
They omit, “…if they not be contrary to the laws of the land” from VII
The Knights Exemplar add:
“Thou shalt live by honor and for glory”
“Thou shalt never refuse a challenge from an equal”
The Knights of The Vale add:
“Thou shalt fight for the welfare of all”
“Thou shalt eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit”
“Thou shalt despise pecuniary reward”
I hope you found this helpful in gaining more understanding.
In service,
-Sir Avaran
Andarian Knight-Captain