How did King Arthur Influence modern romance?
King Arthur's influence came from his display of:
chivalry: very polite and helpful behavior, especially by a man toward a woman; a code of noble and polite behavior that was expected of a medieval knight
courtly love: an idealized form of love written about in medieval literature, where a knight devotes himself to a noblewoman
honor: code of integrity and dignity (usually among men), in medieval society
there was so much information that I wasn't able to categorize/summarize it well!
Thank-you
but I'm also having trouble giving specific examples of how those are applied today....
Specific examples today:
A person holds the door open for you
Someone comes to your aid when you're hurt or confused.
My granddaughter's fiance asked her father for permission to become engaged.
Generally treating other people as worthwhile human beings
To understand how King Arthur influenced modern romance, let's delve into the legend and its subsequent impact.
1. Learn about King Arthur: Start by familiarizing yourself with the story of King Arthur, a legendary British leader who appears in tales set in the medieval period. Research his rise to power, his knights of the Round Table, and his association with the magical sword Excalibur, his queen Guinevere, and the wizard Merlin.
2. Explore medieval romance literature: King Arthur's influence on modern romance can be traced back to the medieval period through the genre of romance literature. Explore works such as "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory, which compiled various Arthurian legends, or "The Vulgate Cycle" and "The Post-Vulgate Cycle," which expanded on the Arthurian tales through French texts.
3. Chivalric code and courtly love: King Arthur embodied the ideals of chivalry, emphasizing knightly virtues, honor, and loyalty. These ideals played a crucial role in shaping the concept of courtly love, a noble and idealized form of love depicted in medieval romances. Courtly love, with its focus on passion, devotion, and often unrequited longing, went on to influence modern depictions of romance in literature, poetry, and arts.
4. Arthurian romance in Sir Walter Scott's works: The influence of King Arthur extended into the 19th century with the works of Sir Walter Scott. Scott's novels, such as "Ivanhoe" and "The Lady of the Lake," drew heavily on Arthurian legends, blending medieval chivalry and romance with historical fiction. These popular works helped to revive interest in Arthurian tales and their romantic elements.
5. The Arthurian revival in the 19th and 20th centuries: The Arthurian legend experienced a significant resurgence in the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to writers and poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson, who wrote the iconic poem "Idylls of the King." This work provided a fresh interpretation of the Arthurian legend, focusing on themes of love, honor, and the tragic downfall of Camelot.
6. Arthurian romance in modern literature: King Arthur continues to influence modern romance through various literary adaptations. Authors like Marion Zimmer Bradley with "The Mists of Avalon" and T.H. White with "The Once and Future King" have reimagined the Arthurian legend, introducing more complex characterizations, exploring love triangles, and adding psychological depth to the story.
7. Influence on popular culture: King Arthur's impact extends beyond literature. Film adaptations like "Camelot" (1967) and "Excalibur" (1981), as well as the musical "Camelot," brought the legend to a wider audience, reinforcing the romanticized portrayal of Arthurian romance. Additionally, video games, such as "King Arthur: The Role-Playing Wargame" and "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," incorporate Arthurian elements, further perpetuating its influence.
By understanding King Arthur's story, exploring medieval romance literature, and tracing his influence through the centuries, you can appreciate how this legendary figure shaped modern interpretations of romance.