Arthurian Legend: The Romance vs. The Epic

1
Arthurian LegendThe Romance vs. The Epic

• The Epic reflects the values of the Heroic Age of
  kings, warriors, and mead halls. The Romance
  reflects the values of the Age of Chivalry
  represented in the legends of King Arthur.

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The Epic vs. The Romance

• Epic
• Clear, realistic story
• Rank and social distinctions not
  important/nonexistent
• Love? absent or a minor side detail
• Fighting? motivated and serious

• Romance
• Mystery and fantasy
• Rank and social distinctions strongly stressed
• Love? supreme focus of a Romance
• Fighting? spontaneous and very violent

3
The Epic vs. The Romance

• Epic
• Hero? sober, simple man
• Group action (warriors)
• Emphasis on glory and transitions of life
• Tragic and serious adventures

• Romance
• Hero? playful, witty, and complicated
• Hero is isolated? individual quests
• Emphasis on adventure and life to come
• More light-hearted story line

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Origin of the Romance

• Apparently, old French epics and songs form the
  end of the 11th century.

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The Romance gave expression to the most cherished

• Religious ideals
• Political ideals
• Courtly ideals

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English Romance

• Striking situations and unusual plots--mysterious

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French Romance

• Delicate sentiments and precisely analyzed plots

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Arthurian Romance

• Arthur really lived during the 6th century
• Led the Welsh forces against the invading
  Anglo-Saxons
• Became a legend throughout Europe for this feat
  and later became the subject of English Romances