Tristan: A Look into the Medieval Era

In this paper, I would like to focus on how Von Strassburg’s Tristan accurately reflects the representation of knights and women, the relationship between men and women, and the role of religion during the medieval times. Knights in the medieval period are known as noble figures, they are chivalrous, masculine, and respectable. Women are represented only as commodities; they are seen as powerless beings and simply as prizes to be “won” by men. They have no real active role other than to fall in love and bear children. The relationship between men and women is quite different as well. Women take passive roles, whereas men take more aggressive roles in a relationship. Lastly, religion in Tristan is portrayed as an important part of everyday life. It is included into the rituals and rites of the people, and also serves as a guideline for people to follow in their lives.

The image of an ideal knight in the medieval era is portrayed as educated, loyal, gentlemanly, and overall noble beings. These traits are shown through the characters Rivalin and Tristan in this story. “Rivalin had been a knight for some three years as befitted his high rank and had acquired the whole art of chivalry.

Tristan, certainly portrays an actual reflection of the medieval epoch. With an accurate representation of men and women, the relationship between men and women, and the role of religion, Tristan definitely serves as a good reference for how life was during the medieval times.

” (Von Strassburg 46). In this quote Rivalin is shown to be quite a valiant knight as he has been for three years or so. In pages 78-86 Tristan is portrayed as educated and skilled but he has yet to become a real knight. He has already shown several noble characteristics. In the passage Tristan demonstrates his skill as a huntsman, showing the huntsmen of Tintagel how to “excoriate” a hart, perform a “fourchie” and how to “quarry”. ‘Listen, nephew Tristan,’ he said, ‘now that your sword has been consecrated and you have become a knight, give thought to the glory of knighthood, and to yourself and who you are. Let your birth and nobility be ever present in your mind. Be modest and straightforward: be truthful and well-bred. Always be kind to the lowly: to the mighty always be proud. Cultivate your appearance. Honour and love all women. Be generous and loyal, and never tire of it.” (Von Strassburg 110) In this passage Mark shows his nephew Tristan how a knight is expected to be, in action, appearance and behavior. Once again knights are expected to be noble, chivalrous, educated, respectable, and courtly.

Religion takes a great role in the medieval times. As it is part of everyday rituals, rites, and beliefs. “With this he laid hold of his sweep and departed

Some topics in this essay:
Von Strassburg, Strassburg’s Tristan, Rivalin Blancheflor, God Tristan, Curvenal Tristan’s, Rivalin Parmenie, Rivalin Tristan, von strassburg, medieval times, Medieval Era, relationship women, women role religion, women relationship women, role religion, everyday life, fall love, women role, tristan portrayed, relationship women role, active role, vent sorrow,