Chivalric Literature: Evolution of Knightly Novels

The Evolution of Knightly Literature

Early Chivalric Romances (12th Century)

The first knightly novels appeared in France during the second half of the twelfth century. They were based on legends that emerged in courtly settings and placed their action within the broad geographic framework of Britain. The protagonists were knights, characterized by their virtues: strong, intelligent, generous, and gallant. These narratives often featured wonderful items and magical phenomena.

A passionate relationship between a knight and a lady was usually a constant in these chivalric novels. Often, this passion was not the normal result of a romance, but rather the effect of a magical influence.

The Rise of Realistic Chivalric Novels

Knightly novels gained great acceptance from the twelfth to the sixteenth century. While early romances reflected an idealized world, later works, particularly from the 15th and 16th centuries, began to portray a more realistic world of knights. The characters became more human, and situations more credible.

Tirant lo Blanch: A Landmark Work

Tirant lo Blanch, written by Joanot Martorell, is a novel that gives a human dimension to the literary figure of the knight. Love is one of the most important themes in the work, alongside war. Tirant is depicted as a skillful and cunning general.

Joanot Martorell: Author and Knight

Joanot Martorell was born in Valencia between 1410 and 1465. He came from a noble lineage and was a man-at-arms on horseback. He was a fighter from Bergues and Trani, respected for his mastery in the exercise of arms. He always conveyed important messages to various knights, often through his writings, which detailed his diverse experiences in battle.

Martorell's time at the English Court allowed him to establish relationships with European gentlemen, learn about the ceremonial orders of knights, and read numerous books. While always respectful of chivalric and military affairs, this did not prevent him from injecting his happy and fun mood into his work. He introduced humor, irony, caricature, and even ridicule of knights.

Comparing Knightly Romances and Chivalric Novels

Here's a comparison of the two distinct forms of knightly literature:

Knightly Romances (12th Century, primarily French)

• Based on legends.
• Protagonists are virtuous knights (strong, brave).
• Read primarily by the courtly audience.
• Opponents are wondrous, fantastic beings.
• Presence of magic.
• Situated in a vague or idealized space and time.
• Implausible (not credible) plots.

Chivalric Novels (15th-16th Century, more widespread)

• More realistic.
• Protagonists are knights on a human scale (they eat, feel pain, suffer).
• Read by a more universal audience (due to printing).
• More realistic opponents.
• Absence of magic.
• Located in known geographical areas and historical times.
• Plausible (believable) plots.