1. The Defining Characteristics
Medieval Romance
The Defining Characteristics

2. 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

3. 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)

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

5. 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

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

7. 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)

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

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