1. Introduction and Selection Notes
The Middle Ages
Introduction and Selection Notes

2. Romance
Definition: a narrative that tells of strange, sometimes supernatural events in an exotic setting
Middle Ages romances include heroic deeds and courtly love
Idealized settings and characters

3. Components
Romantic Hero: usually a king, knight, or brave warrior who follows the chivalric code of behavior (courage, virtue, piety, loyalty to ruler, idealized love of a lady)
Usually does not discover true identity until adulthood – raise in humble surroundings
Heroic Quest: hero’s dangerous journey in search of something of value

4. Components Cont…
Supernatural Elements: blends realistic with fantastic: supernatural characters, fantastic plot elements, exotic places
Symbols and Archetypes are used heavily.

5. Medieval Epics Originated in great halls of Germanic tribes
Focus on ideas of loyalty and valor that bind societies together
Define and express character of people
Based on historical events, but prize adventure more than accuracy
Performed before written down
Began with conflicts between traditional beliefs and newfound Christianity – but moves into dealing with threat of Islamic faith

6. Feudal Values Title and rank Military prowess Loyalty Honor
Dealing with time of lords, vassals, and serfs (in order of power)

7. Song of Roland Values of people: French epic (author unknown)
Importance of valor and bravery in fighting
Need for loyalty and devotion to one’s lord and one’s land
Difficulty of finding trustworthy followers
Roland as hero:
fiercely loyal to his king and brave in combat

8. S.O.R. Characters King Marsile – ruler of Spanish Muslims
King Charlemagne – ruler of French Christians
Roland – Charlemagne’s greatest knight
Ganelon – Roland’s stepfather
Oliver – Roland’s best friend

9. S.O.R. Background
War has been going on for 7 years. Marsile offers to convert to Christianity if the French will leave Spain. Roland wants to honor stepfather, so suggests he is messenger. Ganelon is suspicious and turns traitor, helping Marsile plan an ambush. As French are leaving, an ambush attacks the rear guard – Roland.

10. Analysis
The soldiers are described as fighting side-by-side – which demonstrates loyalty and brotherhood.
The cause of the war is the greater conflict between the Christians and the Muslims for control of Europe.
The poet associates the death of Roland with the chaos of the end of the world – suggesting Roland is an extremely important Christian warrior and that he acts as a symbol of the jeopardy in which the world is placed when Christian and feudal values are endangered.

11. Analysis Continued…
As the hero, Roland must have a flaw. Oliver wants Roland to understand that being a good vassal means protecting those in his charge, not sacrificing them in a show of his own courage.
Paradox: The story is “timely” in describing a specific historical moment, and “timeless” by enduring forever as it is retold.

12. Analysis Continued… Fundamental feudal value violated – loyalty
Ganelon has shown loyalty to neither his country nor his family
Roland does not show loyalty by waiting too long to blow the horn – endangers all of the French soldiers

13. Final Analysis
Roland redeems self by rushing to the aid of the priest.
The pagans flee because they are overwhelmed when King Charlemagne shows up.
Religious Symbols:
Sword: heroes named their weapons, often with religious names
St. Peter’s tooth, hair of patron saint
Confession of sins

14. The Nibelungenlied: How Siegfried Was Slain
Hunting: Although a necessity for survival, it also had heavy religious symbolism and significance. Men prove courage and strength, reinforce bonds of loyalty, and confront certain aspects of themselves and society that lead to truth.
Characters:
Siegfried Princess Kriemhild
King Gunther Brunhild
Hagen

15. H.S.W.S. Background
Siegfried bathed in dragon’s blood and had only one vulnerable spot - between his shoulder blades.
Siegfried wants to marry Princess Kriemhild, King Gunther’s sister. King Gunther wants to marry Brunhild for political alliance.
Siegfried tricks Brunhild into marriage; women “dish”; plot ensues.

16. H.S.W.S. Analysis Feudal Values:
Bravery: hunting; hand-to-hand combat with men and beasts
Military Prowess: skill with weaponry
Loyalty: hunting teams; respect of King’s call
Honor: “honor” of the chase; waiting for King to drink; appearance; return of Siegfried’s body

17. Perceval
Chretien de Troyes: well educated, wrote in vernacular, produced earliest known account of quest for Holy Grail legend
Archetypes: details, plot patterns, character types, or themes that appear in literature of many cultures.
Quest
Disguised Identity

18. Perceval Background
Perceval’s mother has lost husband and both sons to “chivalric combat”. She locks her final son away to keep him safe, but once he meets a group of knights, he decides this is the life for him. He is taught not to ask questions and not to speak until spoken to as part of his training. He finishes training and sets out on the quest to find the Holy Grail.

19. Important Religious Items
Lance with bloody tip – pierced the side of Jesus at the Crucifixion
Candelabra – Jesus, Light of the World
Holy Grail – cup out of which Jesus drank at the Last Supper
Silver, bejeweled Platter – service for bread Jesus broke at Last Supper

20. Analysis
The rapid current, deep water, and high cliff symbolize the challenges faced on quest.
The fisherman is symbolic of the Holy Spirit – he knows the perils that await the knight, but can only offer so much guidance.
Perceval’s immediate condemnation of the fisherman represents man’s sin; his recognition of his mistake represents repentance.

21. Analysis Continued
Perceval’s training is problematic because it interferes with his ability to TRULY seek answers.
The nobleman foresees Perceval’s coming trials, so foreshadows them by giving the sword (symbolic of the BIBLE – instruction book).
The deserted castle and locked doors symbolize the need for each individual’s personal journey for answers and salvation.