Medieval Romance(s) SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT AND LA
MORTE D ARTHUR
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What is Chivalry? Definition: Chivlary has come to be known as
courteous and gallant behavior toward women in modern society,
stemming from the qualities expected of a knight in the middle
ages. These accepted behaviors often included courage, honor and
justice among others.
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Is chivalry dead in todays society? And then theres this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5uz3RlcYl0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5uz3RlcYl0
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4 Principal Characteristics of a Medieval Romance Chivalry The
Supernatural Knights and Kings Quest
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Chivalry Chivalry - The qualities idealized by knighthood, such
as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women It was the
duty of a Middle Ages Knight to learn how to fight and so serve
their liege Lord according to the Code of Chivalry. The Code of
Chivalry dictated that a Knight should be brave and fearless in
battle but would also exhibit cultured Knightly qualities showing
themselves to be devout, loyal, courteous and generous. There was
not an authentic Knights Code of Chivalry as such - it was a moral
system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept
of chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as
bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
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Code of Chivalry Chivalry and King Arthur The ideals of a
knights Code of Chivalry were publicized in the poems, ballads,
writings and literary works. The Dark Age myths of Arthurian
Legends featuring King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round
Table further strengthen the idea of a Knights Code of Chivalry.
The Arthurian legend revolves around the Code of Chivalry which was
adhered to by the Knights of the Round Table - Honor, Honesty,
Valor and Loyalty which were most likely a product of the seven
Christian values of Chivalry (often associated with the seven
Cardinal virtues in the Bible):
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VirtueDescription Humility (pride) Seeing ourselves as we are
and not comparing ourselves to others Generosity (avarice)
Generosity is the ability to allow others to get the credit or
praise. Giving without the expectations of the other person Love
(envy) Love actively seeks the good of others for their sake.
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Kindness (wrath) Kindness is taking a tender approach with
patience and compassion Self-Control (lust) Self control is the
ability to prevent pleasure from killing the soul by suffocation;
using something to maximum efficiency without damage. Faith and
Temperance (gluttony) Accepts the natural limits of pleasures and
preserves natural balance Zeal (sloth) The energetic response of
the heart to what is right or correct. VirtueDescription
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The Supernatural The Supernatural - an order of existence
beyond the visible observable universe Note that in most medieval
romances, the supernatural is defined by fantastical creatures such
as dragons, trolls, elves, etc. Additionally, elements of the
supernatural can be associated with magic and spells. Often, the
hero of the quest must face and overcome an opposition of
supernatural nature to triumph
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Knights and Kings The King oversaw the workings of the Feudal
System. In the feudal system, the king owns all of the kingdoms
land. Based on their ranking in society and the allegiance to the
king, followers (Barons) were given portions of land to oversee for
the king. Knights were given land by a Baron in return for military
service when demanded by the King. Knights, in turn, also protected
the Baron, as well as the Manor, from outside threats. The Knights
were also awarded land for their own personal use and distributed
the remainder to villeins (serfs).
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The Quest Quest : An expedition undertaken by a knight to
perform a prescribed feat In any medieval romance, the hero must
partake in a quest where he (or she) often achieves a goal, is
rewarded with treasure and/or learns a lesson. Famous Quests in
Literature: The Quest of the Holy Grail (King Arthur) Gigamesh
Odysseus in The Odyssey
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Follows the adventure of Sir
Gawain, a knight of King Arthurs round table. Gawain is sent on a
quest to discover the identity of a mysterious Green Knight, which
tests his adherence to his sense of chivalry through a lesson or
morality Contains overt elements of the supernatural throughout the
tale Follows the adventure of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthurs
round table. Gawain is sent on a quest to discover the identity of
a mysterious Green Knight, which tests his adherence to his sense
of chivalry through a lesson or morality Contains overt elements of
the supernatural throughout the tale