MEDIEVAL ROMANCEThe Defining Characteristics

Medieval Romance

12th-15th 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)

Medieval Romance

Most popular medieval romances surround legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Arthur—thought to have been a Welsh chieftain (or Celtic king) in the 5th or 6th 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