Medieval Societies
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Medieval societies during the era of Beowulf and the Arthurian Romances were undergoing transformation from pagan, illiterate societies where codes of conduct governed social relations and together with reason brought happiness. The warrior societies described in Chretien de TroyesÆ Arthurian Romances and Seamus HeaneyÆs Beowulf along with other literature of the medieval era show the ideals of reason and code of conduct as the foundation of human happiness. The character of Beowulf clearly expresses this ideal. This ethical outlook of the characters, however, also shows signs of a transformation that was occurring in European cultures as paganism became replaced by Christianity and as the ideal of the warrior society was replaced by a quest for knowledge that embraced humility and resulted in inner peace and a connection with God. The character of Perceval in the latter De TroyesÆ romances clearly expresses this quest. This analysis will compare and contrast various aspects and elements of the two warrior societies illustrated in De TroyesÆ Arthurian Romances and HeaneyÆs Beowulf. Other works from the period will also be used to demonstrate the nature of heroism, the role of women and the ethical and religious outlook of the characters. The warrior societies described in the Arthurian Romances and Beowulf are ones that clearly define the nature of heroism and ethical and spiritual behavior. In both of these works, the central f
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eriod as surely as do Arthur and Beowulf. RolandÆs passion is ambition and the desire to succeed as a warrior. He asks the King to ôgive me the curving bow Thou holdest û Ay û and by that token give the rear guard to me,ö (Adolorata, p. 15). Roland is presented as a fearless lion-like warrior like Beowulf, who in his madness becomes almost invincible. This is similar to YvainÆs madness over Laudine. His death results in his fulfillment because it brings him into union with God. It is not the world that Roland ultimately values or the games of the followers of the Courts of Love. His fulfillment occurs when ôthe angels came on wings of gold to take his soul to God,ö (Adolorata, p. 29).
We also see in HrothgarÆs pride the increasing influence of Christianity, as pride represented the worst sin of medieval Christian society. The attempt to temper pride with humility is not only apparent in all of these works but is also what Perceval and Beowulf and Roland and other heroes must do to connect with the spiritual. Indeed, the father-son concept is a strong element in Arthurian mythology as much as kinship is a primary consideration in Beowulf. In both ôErec and Enideö and other Arthurian romances and in Beowulf we are told ver
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Approximate Word count = 2116
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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