MEDIEVAL ROMANCE The Defining Characteristics Medieval Romance 12

MEDIEVAL ROMANCE The Defining Characteristics

Medieval Romance 12 th-15 th century (1100 -1400) Earlier romances in verse (poetic form) Later ones sometimes in prose (NOT poetry) Tales of courtly love and chivalric adventure

Medieval Romance Based on feudal ideal of chivalry Code of Chivalry: Emphasizes courage, grace, honor, love, loyalty, valor, and humility both on and off the battlefield (high moral code) Includes the pledging of service to a lady— honoring, revering, serving, and protecting her reputation (placing her on a pedestal—to worship from afar/on high)

Medieval Romances Are imbued with adventure, love, the supernatural Feature kings, knights, damsels in distress Give a glamorous portrayal of castle life (idealized)

The Archetypal Romance Hero Born under mysterious circumstances Grows up in obscurity (state of being unknown, inconspicuous, unimportant) Undergoes an initiation from childhood to adulthood involving a magic weapon Fights to defeat evil and promote peace Often aided by— magic weapons and wise mentors (the Wise Old Man archetype) “Departs” from this world under mysterious circumstances/events Leaves open the possibility, the hope, that he may return when his people need him most

Medieval Romance Most popular medieval romances surround— Legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table Arthur— Thought to have been a Welsh chieftain (or Celtic king) 5 th or 6 th century

Arthurian Legend Other names from the Arthurian legends: Merlin (sorcerer & Arthur’s advisor) Camelot Excalibur (sword) Guinevere (Arthur’s wife) Lancelot (best friend and Knight of the Round Table) Other knights include Sir Galahad, Sir Gawain, Sir Bedivere , Sir Percivale, Sir Lionell, Sir Kay, et al. Uther Pendragon (father) Igraine (mother) Morgan le Fey (half-sister) Mordred (nephew/son)

Character ID’s from Morte d’Arthur excerpt: Arthur Mordred Sir Lucan Sir Gawain Sir Bedivere Hermit Lady of the Lake Three Queens

Merlin Arthurian Legend Uther Pendragon Guinevere Igraine Arthur Gorlois Morgana Mordred Lancelot Lionell Bedivere Perceval Kay Gawain Ector Galahad Lucan Tristram Excalibur Lady of the Lake