Courtly

Courtly refers to the behaviors, manners, and customs associated with the royal courts of Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The term encompasses a wide range of cultural practices, including courtly love, courtly manners, and courtly literature. These practices were often idealized and romanticized, reflecting the values and social hierarchies of the time.

Courtly Love

Courtly love was a medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry. It was characterized by the lover's adoration of a noble lady, often unattainable, and the expression of this love through poetry, songs, and other forms of art. This concept played a significant role in the literature of the time, influencing works such as Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and the Arthurian legends.

Courtly Manners

Courtly manners refer to the etiquette and social behaviors expected of individuals within a royal court. These manners were often codified in manuals and included guidelines on proper speech, dress, and conduct. The emphasis was on refinement, elegance, and the demonstration of one's noble status through behavior.

Courtly Literature

Courtly literature includes a variety of genres such as romances, lyric poetry, and epic poetry. These works often depicted the ideals of courtly love and chivalry, serving both as entertainment and as a means of reinforcing social norms. Notable examples include the works of Chrétien de Troyes, Marie de France, and the troubadours.

Related Pages

• Chivalry
• Feudalism
• Medieval literature
• Renaissance
• Nobility
• Arthurian legend
• The Canterbury Tales
• Chrétien de Troyes
• Marie de France
• Troubadours