SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDIEVAL ROMANCE A romance: Is about the adventures of knights and the institution of chivalry. Romances are concerned with the exploits of kings, queens, and knights – not with common, ordinary people. Does not take place in realistic settings, but in idealized worlds – in imaginary castles, gardens and forests. No one in a romance had to worry about the price of potatoes or catching a cold. Contains mysterious, magical, and supernatural elements. Hero or heroine is braver, nobler, and more honorable than an ordinary human. Often the hero or heroine has the use of magic or other extraordinary powers. Hero or heroine will often put on a lowly disguise to conceal his or her true identity. Hero or heroine is often motivated by romantic love. Pits the forces of good against the forces of evil.

Ten Rules of Chivalry from Leon Gautier’s Chivalry 1.Thou shalt believe all the church teaches and observe all its directions. 2.Thou shalt defend the church. 3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them. 4. Thou shalt love the country in which thou was born.

5. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy. 6. Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation and without mercy. 7. Thou shalt perform scrupulously the feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God. 8. Thou shalt never lie and remain faithful to thy pledged word. 9. Thou shalt be generous and give largesse to everyone. 10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and Good and the foe of Injustice and Evil.