Medieval Romance

Romance plays such a large role in medieval literature. Chivalry, which is in essence the knights' code, is centered around dignity and honor to a woman. It seems that each and every aspect of a knight's action pertains or relates to a woman. They try to please their "lady"; to make them happy and feel secure. However, I find it baffling that the premise of their code is an obligation to a woman, yet there are numerous infidelities and one-night-stands. A king even went as far to deceive a woman into sleeping with him. "Tonight you shall appear before Igraine at Tintagil in the likeness of her husband, the duke," (Malory). This is disgusting. King Uther should have accepted the fact the Igraine loved the duke, and did not want to be with him. Some of the other stories were very entertaining. The magical events spark so many creative and exciting possibilities. Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell exemplifies this creativity. The story raised the question "what women desire the most", and I was immediately interested. Love and romance is clearly a main theme in medieval culture.