Arthurian Legend.

The Arthurian Legend has endured the test of time for many reasons; these reasons include the chivalry, heroic tales, the romance, the battles, and of course the entertainment of all of these combined. Although the legend has been around for decades, even centuries, it still is studied, read about, and going strong throughout the years because of the ideal Medieval romance. The Arthurian Legend fits perfectly into all of the characteristics of a Medieval romance because of the chivalry involved, set in a remote place and time, it also shows a distinguished difference in ranks, and many fights, along with romance being the main focus point.

Hollywood has also taken notice of the Arthurian Legend and it's popularity among readers because Hollywood has made many movies based on the legend such as, Excalibur, The Sword and the Stone, Sir Lancelot, Camelott, First Knight, and yes even Monty Python and the Holy Grail which each present the idea of Medieval times, the romance, and the heroic tales that are involved in the Arthurian Legend.

The romance of the Arthurian Legend plays the biggest part in my eyes because it is the main focus in every Medieval novel, poem, film, and etc. There is always a strong love connection between at least two people, but there can be more. Sometimes even a love triangle occurs similar to the affair in the film First Knight between Sir Lancelot and Lady Gwinevere, who was engaged to King Arthur himself.

Chivalry would be the second biggest part of the Arthurian Legend if I had to choose because it also plays a major role in every Medieval novel, poem, and film. There is always a heroic man, an sometimes there is more than one, but he is viewed as a hero; brave, courageous and strong. An exampl of chivalry in The Lady of Shalott would be when Sir Lancelot comes into the scene, the attitude, and the adjectives describing everything suddenly change.
"The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,
And flamed upon the brazen greaves
Of bold Sir Lancelot" (pt 3, Tennyson).

Although the Arthurian Legend is viewed as impossible today because of the suffering done to those accused of crimes and to those who were trying to become knights and those who could not afford much of anything, and many of it is very make believe and out of this world, it still had and has the power to capture many readers and viewers and hold their attention throughout. Many people are still very intrigued by the Arthurian Legend and keep the legend alive today. Therefore, no matter how much time goes by, it is proof that the Arthurian Legend can never be defeated, forgotten, or ever actually over with.

Medieval Romance.

My reaction to the medieval tales and romances is, I prefer not to read this genre because it does not interest me at all. I don't believe any of it is actually love or romance, or genuine. Majority of the love just happens in the blink of an eye and I do not believe that to be possible. Love takes time, and in these stories, the love happens far too soon and too easily. Love at first sight does not exist, of course, infatuation or attraction at first sight is very real and common, but love? No way. You cannot look at someone and instantly love them, you don't know anything about them, their present, past, or future, therefore you cannot know if they have what you are truly looking for. You can look at someone and think they are attractive but feelings beyond that? No. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, that was not love. That was the worst "love" story I have ever read, it is all fake and all rushed. Love isn't rushed, or shouldn't be at least. But in the first piece we read, Merlin, the king had to have Lady Igraine and felt he needed her, and loved her, and had to be with her, but he did not know anything about her, he just had to get what he wants because he is king. I do not believe in this nor does it interest me at all because of my disbelief and disagreeance.