Middle Ages Literature

Emphasis on war Chivalry Religion Very few people could read so only a few pieces were actually written down. Beowulf – earliest stories written in English Beowulf is the hero that kills a monster named Grendel. Then he has to fight Grendel’s mother who is seeking revenge. The Song of Roland Roland – the nephew of Charlemagne dies after he and his army faces 100,000. Charlemagne was the greatest leader of the Franks (German tribe) and was called Charles the Great.

Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer – considered the greatest writer of the Middle Ages 29 travelers on their way to London who stop at an inn Each tell 2 stories on the way there and 2 on the way back Useful description of the people of the 14 th century England