Romance, Romantic Hero, conventions, and background information Medieval Literature Romance, Romantic Hero, conventions, and background information

Medieval Romance A tale of High Adventure. Can be a religious crusade, a conquest for the knight's leige lord, or the rescue of a captive lady or any combination.

Medieval Romance The word romance comes from the Old French term "romans," which was used to differentiate the language of the people from the language of the Church.

Medieval Romance The Church wrote and spoke Latin, a language little changed from classical times. The lay population spoke French, which was continuously evolving from Celtic and Germanic influence; "romans" was the term for this language.

Medieval Romance These literatures were loosely-based historical accounts; from the beginning the authors who used the vernacular realized that they must please as well as edify, that history would not be acceptable to their patrons unless made entertaining.

Medieval Romance Legends, folk-lore, superstitions, etc. were added to the mix to please the audience, and historical truth became almost entirely lost. Any declarations of "historical truth" were simply for convention.

Medieval Romance Romance flourished in France from 1150-1250; those composed at later dates were usually re-imaginings of the first efforts.

Romantic Hero Birth of a great hero is shrouded in mystery

Romantic Hero He is reared away from his true home in ignorance of his real parents.

Romantic Hero For a time his true identity is unknown

Romantic Hero After meeting an extraordinary challenge, he claims his right

Romantic Hero His triumph benefits his nation or group

Characteristics Medieval romance usually idealizes chivalry Chivalrous conduct, arising from the feudal system and Christian morals, were a strong force within romances. Such conduct included loyalty to duty, courtesy, and service to the oppressed. Loyalty was paramount in a hierarchical social system, courtesy and service to the oppressed was the ideal in a religious system focused on humility and godliness.

Characteristics Medieval romance Idealizes the hero and his noble deeds

Characteristics An important element of the medieval romance is the knight's love for his lady The love element, while not necessary for a romance (adventure alone can be considered romantic), is nearly always present in medieval versions, and of a particular kind. What we now consider courtly love began in the middle of the twelfth century, when a "woman-worship" arose, stemming from the worship of the Virgin Mary. What the "courtly" designation did to love was elevate it to an art form. No longer was love merely an emotion. Women were supreme, and the essence of love was not passion or regard but devotion. Love could not be exaggerated, since it was the lover's role to satisfy every whim of his lady. Fidelity and service were the ultimate goals of love.

Characteristics The settings of medieval romance tend to be imaginary and vague

Characteristics Medieval romance derives mystery and suspense from supernatural elements Although romance took on an unrealistic focus it still followed certain conventions drawn from real life. Christian morals find their way into most romances, even though often intermingled with pagan belief systems.

Characteristics Medieval romance uses concealed or disguised identity

Characteristics Repetition of the mystical number "3." (Repetitions of the number or multiples of 3)

Chevrefoil Marie de France (12th Century) Drew inspiration from Celtic tales Perhaps because she was female (we believe) she tended to focus on the personal lives of both the male and the female characters.

Nibelungenlied Considered the national epic of Germany

Chanson de Roland (Song of Roland) National epic of France An example of a chansons de geste or songs of deeds (an epic poem relating the heroic deeds of Charlemagne)

The Grail Chrétien de Troyes Part of the Arthurian Legend