The Medieval Romance and Courtly Love Historical Background

Love isn’t the focus!! A fictional story about improbable events involving characters that are quite different from ordinary people. A tale of high adventure. Can be: a religious crusade a conquest for the knight's liege lord the rescue of a captive lady or any combination…

Characteristics of a Medieval Romance Usually idealizes chivalry and the hero-knight and his noble deeds Settings tend to be imaginary and vague Mystery and suspense from supernatural elements Uses concealed or disguised identity Repetition of the mystical number three

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Courtly Love A code of behavior popular from the 12th to the 14th century. Set out the rules of conduct between lovers, advocating idealized but illicit love, which fostered an extensive medieval literature based on this tradition.

Lancelot and Guinevere

Stages of Courtly Love Attraction to the lady, usually via eyes/glance Worship from afar Declaration of passionate devotion Virtuous rejection by the lady Renewed wooing with oaths of virtue and loyalty

Agony of approaching death from unsatisfied desire Heroic deeds of valor which win the lady's heart Consummation of the secret love Endless adventures avoiding detection or DEATH!

A Modern Example

Attraction & worship from afar…

Declaration and Rejection

Deeds of Valor

Consumation etc.

“The Devil and the Three Golden Hairs” Usually idealizes chivalry and the hero-knight and his noble deeds Settings tend to be imaginary and vague Mystery and suspense from supernatural elements Uses concealed or disguised identity Repetition of the mystical number three Courtly love?