Courtly RomanceA new form of hero

What is the courtly romance?

A narrative poem about the adventures of a brave knight who overcomes danger for either his lady or for his high ideals.

An Example - The Princess Bride

Buttercup and Westley Reunite

Elements of the Story

-The romance genre of the Middle Ages contained connections to magic and the supernatural.

-Superhuman heroes had a sense of religious duty to fight evil.

-At this time in England’s history, the masses had shifted to a Christian view of the world.

Quests -The hero of the stories typically embarked on a dangerous journey.

-There was a central test or ordeal which needed to be accomplished or overcome.

-A test of ethics, bravery, honor, and dignity.

-In the story, the hero returns to the starting point.

Romance Motifs -Motif = a recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work

-Near perfect hero

-Evil enemy

-Good v. evil conflict

-Worship and honor of women

-Test of ethics or religion

-Quests or journeys

-Female figures: maidens in need of rescue or an old crone (an ugly, withered old woman; a hag) getting in the way.

Romantic Hero-Larger than life

-Mysterious birth / childhood

-Performs extraordinary deeds

-Has the aid of magical forces

-Death is surrounded by mystery

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Before you read…

The author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is unknown.

The dialect allows scholars to conclude that it was composed in northwest England in about 1370.

The poet’s sophisticated technique and knowledge of French and Latin indicate an educated man who was familiar with the ways of aristocracy.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Before you read…

The poem is set in an imaginary medieval world of mysterious castles and dangerous quests.

Sir Gawain, a knight in King Arthur’s court, accepts a challenge from the terrifying Green Knight, who possesses supernatural powers.

Gawain passes a test of honor by risking his life to meet the challenge and resisting the temptations of a beautiful lady.