Afternoon gents, it’s Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide here! So, in case you’ve missed the first few articles about this subject, links here and here, I’ve started a little mini-series on the blog about how characters from movies and TV shows can teach young men to be true gentlemen, and now I’ve decided to open that up to video game characters, since in case you couldn’t tell, I love video games. So for the first character to receive this treatment, we’re talking about the German crusader himself, Reinhardt Wilhelm from the Blizzard game Overwatch! The embodiment of chivalry, honor, and friendship, I’m almost surprised I didn’t write about this guy before, but here we are. Here are a few things that Reinhardt can teach about being a true gentleman!
Practically anyone who knows me knows that there are very few traits I value more than loyalty, and Reinhardt displays this in spades. One of the most famous events in Overwatch history is the Battle for Eichenwalde, in legions of Omnics invaded the German castle of Eichenwalde. A young Reinhardt was among those who led the defense of the castle, but was severely overconfident, leaving behind his squadron to demolish the Omnics by himself; taking to heart the “die with glory” aspect of the Crusaders’ oath, “Live with honor, die with glory.” After losing his eye and being rescued by his commander, Balderich von Adler, Reinhardt took some of Adler’s dying words to heart before joining the Overwatch strike team: “The team needs you. Be their shield.” Although the Battle for Eichenwalde was ultimately a victory for the Crusaders, Adler lost his life at the hands of the Omnics, and Reinhart took his dying words to heart. Reinhardt now dedicates his life to protecting those who need his protection, and would lay down his life for his friends. One of his most famous lines in the game is “Don’t worry my friends. I will be your shield!” Even after being discouraged to rejoin after the Overwatch Recall was initiated, Reinhardt told his squire “I have been called, I must answer. Always.” His dedication to his friends, Overwatch, and the overall protection of humanity, is absolutely something to admire about Reinhardt.
Something else to admire about Reinardt is that he has a strict moral code of honor, justice, and courage that he follows almost to a fault. After Overwatch was disbanded he still continued to travel the world with his squire Brigitte Lindholm, helping protect any towns or cities riddled with crime or injustice. He can’t stand to see people in trouble and will gladly fight for anyone who needs his help. Not only that, but he also cannot stand cowardice. If he ever has to engage in a fight, he wants a good clean fight, head-to-head, mano-a-mano. That’s why in-game when he spots a sniper, Reinhardt will sometimes say “Sniper! Fight toe-to-toe, you coward!” One of the best things about having this attitude is that he just stays so positive. This strict moral code and chivalrous attitude allows him to bring out the best in his allies as well as himself. And if you’re asking me, that’s one of the most important things a gentleman can do.
I really don’t know what else to say. Reinhardt is truly an honorable knight and a perfect example of what a gentleman should be. Tough, trustworthy, courageous, optimistic, loyal, fair, and friendly. If that combination of traits doesn’t make a true gentleman, I don’t know what does. In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the post, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and I’ll see you next time!
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