Romantic Literature and the Romantic Hero

“A Romance” was originally term used to describe a medieval tale dealing with the loves
and adventures of kings, queens, knights, and ladies, and included unlikely or
supernatural happenings. These were most popular throughout Europe during the Middle
Ages. One of the most famous romances is the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of
the Round Table.

In a more general sense, a romance is any work of imaginative literature that is set in an
idealized world and that deals with heroic adventures and battles in which brave heroes or
heroines struggle against evil villains or monsters. The conflict in a romance is almost
always one of good versus evil. Often the heroes and heroines in a romance are aided by
magic, such as a magical sword or a magical ring. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.
Tolkien, is an example of a modern romance. A movie that uses all the traditional
elements of romance and sets its action in a world of startling technological (magical)
achievements is Star Wars.

Features of a Medieval Romance: A romance is a long medieval narrative (prose or

poetry) which tells of the adventures and heroic exploits of chivalric heroes.

1. Adventure- usually of knights and chivalry, not of the common, ordinary people
2. Unrealistic setting- usually in idealized worlds; imaginary castles, gardens and forests
3. Mysterious, magical and supernatural events
4. Hero or Heroine-
a. larger than life
b. vision of the world as a more perfect place than what we inhabit
c. thought of as young and idealistic
d. virtues of courtesy, self-control, intelligence, wit, imagination and vision
e. linked to natural world; live close to nature, life is simple and uncluttered
f. usually physically strong
g. embody nobler virtues of human civilization
h. often appear like gods, having mysterious and magical origins
i. special powers which they want to share with others
j. leaders whose actions bring good to their people—teach us what the best
humans can be like and what they can do for their people.
5. Good versus Evil

CHIVALRY: a code that the knights followed to attain honor which includes…

1. Fight bravely 7. Protect women

2. Defeat enemies 8. Courtesy to women
3. Fight fairly, courteous 9. Keep your word
4. Help friends in trouble 10. Be Truthful
5. Associate with honorable people 11. Have Courage
6. Be loyal 12. Generous to inferiors
 A Timeline of King Arthur Authors

Celts Oral tradition about Dux Bellorum (War Lord) who pushed
the invading Saxon army (from Germany) from England
protecting the Celts

Nennius Wrote the legend in Latin

817

Geoffrey of Monmouth Added 15 year old king, Merlin and Gwenevire

Wace French; Added the Round Table to the Legend

Chretienne de Toyes French; Added Lancelot and designed the downfall to

include the love triangle among Gwenevire, Lancelot and
Arthur

Sir Thomas Mallory 15th Century Knight; Wrote Le Morte d’Arthur; Instilled an
1470 order and virtue knighthood never had. Portray Arthur as a
Christian Knight.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson Victorian, Poet Laureate for Queen Victoria; wrote Idylls of
1860 the King, in which Arthur is morally superior- A Christian
Victorian King Arthur.

T.H. White The Once and Future King; Modern portrayal of Arthur as
1938-1958 hero; Theme is might for right.