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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. Romantic Hero
Birth of a great hero is shrouded in mystery

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

10. Romantic Hero
For a time his true identity is unknown

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

12. Romantic Hero
His triumph benefits his nation or group

13. 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.

14. Characteristics
Medieval romance Idealizes the hero and his noble deeds

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

18. Characteristics
Medieval romance uses concealed or disguised identity

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

20. 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.

21. Nibelungenlied
Considered the national epic of Germany

22. 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)

23. The Grail
Chrétien de Troyes
Part of the Arthurian Legend