Write a Short note on Middle English Romance.

Middle English Romance:

    Middle English Romances were entertaining stories of Anglo- Norman period. They were French in origin. Before the time of Mallory these legendary tales of Norman and Teutonic were written in verse. These were written at first by Norman poets. These were fascinating tales. In other words, these Romances were stories of thrilling, adventure, and supernatural. And the sources of these Romances were the matter of French, Matter of Rome and Matter of Britain.

Matter of French

    The matter of French deals with the exploits of Charlemagne and his peers and it started with the story of Roland. The matter of French includes all the subjects of French National epic such as the Song of Roland, The Reynold of Malthaban or The Four Sons of Aymon, Ferabras etc. The matter of French could not be popular in England as it was in its own country because of its lack of variety, use of Aurtherian tale and anti-gaelic spirit. The famous French Romances are Roucoilyear, Sir Ferumbraz, The Geste of Robin Hood etc.

Matter of Rome

    The matter of Rome consisted of tales of Greek and Roman sources. These Romances dealt with the deeds of Alexander, the siege of Troy, the story of Thebes and other legends found in Virgil and Ovid. A few tales from oriental sources were also added such as 'The Arabian Nights', 'William of Palerne' and 'Squire of the low degree' etc.

Matter of Britain

    Matter of Britain dealt with the early English history and its popular heroes. In a sense these were the original works of English poets. Some of the English early Romances are Horn, Guy of Warwick, Bevis of Hampton. Sometimes contemporary history was also used in popular Romance. The matter of Britain romances not only dealt with early English history but also with Aurtherian legend. Among the Arthurian legend in English the most famous are Sir Thomas, Arthur and Marlind, Morte De Arthur, Sir Gawain and the Green knight.

    The material of Romances which the Norman brought with them into England, expressed the romantic spirit of the age. Moreover, the idea of love, chivalry and religion were also expressed in Romances. These Romances epitomize middle English life, the life of English castle and court, the description of nature and wild scenery that people loved in those days were also expressed in Romances.