The Forgotten Troy Romance: The Troy Myth in Medieval Britain

The myth of Troy has captivated the imaginations of people across centuries and cultures. From the epic poems of Homer to the plays of Shakespeare, the story of the Trojan War has been told and retold countless times. However, there is one version of the Troy myth that has been largely forgotten: the medieval British Troy romances.

The Laud Troy Book: The Forgotten Troy Romance (The Troy Myth in Medieval Britain Book 3)

by D M Smith

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4536 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	548 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	130 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.3 x 9 inches

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These romances were written in the Middle Ages, during a time of great interest in classical literature. They adapted the Trojan War story to fit the tastes of a medieval audience, incorporating elements of chivalry, romance, and adventure. The Troy romances were immensely popular in their time, but they have since been overshadowed by the more famous versions of the myth. In this article, we will explore the forgotten Troy romances, examining their unique features and their significance in the history of British literature.

The Origins of the Troy Romances

The Troy romances originated in the 12th century, when the French poet Benoit de Sainte-Maure wrote his Roman de Troie. This work was a massive epic poem, consisting of over 30,000 lines. It was based on the works of Homer and Virgil, but it also incorporated many new elements, including a romantic subplot involving the characters of Troilus and Cressida.

The Roman de Troie was widely translated and adapted throughout Europe, and it soon became the basis for a number of other Troy romances. In England, the most popular Troy romance was the Gest Hystoriale of the Destruction of Troy, which was written by the poet John Lydgate in the 15th century. Lydgate's poem was even longer than the Roman de Troie, and it included even more new material, such as a detailed description of the siege of Troy.

The Features of the Troy Romances

The medieval Troy romances shared a number of common features. First, they were all based on the story of the Trojan War, but they adapted the story to fit the tastes of a medieval audience. This meant that the romances incorporated elements of chivalry, romance, and adventure.

Second, the Troy romances were generally very long. The Roman de Troie, for example, consisted of over 30,000 lines. This length allowed the poets to explore the story in great detail and to develop the characters in depth.

Third, the Troy romances were often didactic in nature. They were intended to teach readers about the virtues of chivalry and the dangers of sin. The poets often used the story of the Trojan War to illustrate their moral lessons.

The Significance of the Troy Romances

The medieval Troy romances were immensely popular in their time. They were read by people of all social classes, from kings and queens to commoners. The romances helped to shape the way that people in medieval Britain thought about the Trojan War and about the values of chivalry and romance.

The Troy romances also had a significant impact on the development of English literature. They were some of the first works of English literature to be written in a vernacular language, and they helped to establish the use of English as a literary language. The Troy romances also influenced the development of later works of English literature, such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida.

The Forgotten Troy Romances

The medieval Troy romances have been largely forgotten in modern times. They are no longer widely read, and they are not as well-known as the more famous versions of the Troy myth. However, the Troy romances are still important works of literature. They provide a valuable glimpse into the way that people in medieval Britain thought about the world, and they helped to shape the development of English literature.

The medieval Troy romances are a forgotten chapter in the history of British literature. They are unique and fascinating works that offer a glimpse into the way that people in medieval Britain thought about the world. The Troy romances deserve to be rediscovered and appreciated by modern readers.

The Laud Troy Book: The Forgotten Troy Romance (The Troy Myth in Medieval Britain Book 3)

by D M Smith

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4536 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	548 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	130 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.3 x 9 inches

FREE