I was taught that killing knights (especially by peasants) was heavily taboo in the Hundred Years War, instead being taken hostage for ransom. I have also read accounts of the thousands of dead French knights at Agincourt and even the English soldiers wading through the mud with knives the end the lives of the dying after the battle. What context am I missing that reconciles these two facts? Thank you in advance for the answers!
It's the 'taboo' part. Alive for ransom is certainly the ideal, but there's more to it, as the following posts will explore.
As always, more input is always welcome should anyone have further information on the matter!