The Middle Ages Introduction and Selection Notes.

The Middle Ages

Introduction and Selection Notes

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

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

Components Cont…

• Supernatural Elements: blends realistic with fantastic: supernatural characters, fantastic plot elements, exotic places

• Symbols and Archetypes are used heavily.

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

Feudal Values

• Title and rank

• Military prowess

• Loyalty

• Honor– Dealing with time of lords, vassals, and serfs

(in order of power)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.