The Book of Romance

In Short

The Book of Romance is an anthology of Arthurian legends and medieval romances, edited by Andrew Lang, that brings together a rich variety of heroic stories and fairy-tale motifs. It traces the exploits of knights such as Sir Balin, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Gawaine, alongside other legendary figures from Celtic and European traditions. The book captures the spirit of chivalry, quests for holy relics like the Grail, and the complex interplay of honor, love, and fate. Its enduring appeal lies in the vivid storytelling and the universal themes of bravery, loyalty, and tragedy that continue to resonate. The collection’s blend of myth, history, and folklore offers readers a window into the medieval imagination and the ideals that shaped Western romance literature.

The Story

The Book of Romance opens with a preface that situates romances as grown-up fairy tales, rooted in ancient and widespread folk traditions. It then unfolds a series of interconnected tales centered on King Arthur and his knights, alongside other heroic narratives from European legend.

The narrative begins with Sir Balin le Savage, a bold but tragic knight who embarks on a perilous journey marked by mysterious warnings and fierce combats. He encounters his brother Sir Balan in a brutal duel, unaware of their kinship until after they have inflicted grievous wounds on each other. This tale sets the tone for the complex blend of valor and misfortune that colors many of the stories.

The arrival of the Holy Grail at Camelot marks a pivotal moment, inspiring a quest that fractures the fellowship of the Round Table. Sir Gawaine vows to seek the Grail, a vow that King Arthur fears will break the unity of his knights, as many will perish or be forever changed by the quest. The Grail’s appearance is accompanied by supernatural phenomena, underscoring its sacred and otherworldly nature.

Sir Lancelot’s adventures are richly detailed, including his mysterious voyage on a ship without sail or oar, where he encounters the sister of Sir Percivale and later meets Sir Galahad, his son and the purest knight. Lancelot’s story intertwines with that of Elaine le Blanc, the Fair Maid of Astolat, whose unrequited love for him leads to her death, highlighting the tragic costs of courtly love.

The book also recounts the siege of Joyous Gard, where Lancelot defends Queen Guenevere against accusations and attacks, resulting in conflict with King Arthur and Sir Gawaine. The tension between loyalty to the king and personal honor culminates in a bitter confrontation.

Beyond Arthurian legend, the collection includes heroic tales from other traditions: the saga of the Finnish brothers who encounter elves and maidens; the tragic feud involving Diarmid, Grania, and Fionn from Irish mythology; and the epic battle scenes of Roland and the Emperor Charles against Saracen foes, illustrating the clash of Christian and pagan worlds.

The volume closes with the saga of Grettir, a fierce Norse hero whose life is marked by violent feuds, outlawry, and eventual redemption. His story brings the collection full circle, emphasizing themes of vengeance, justice, and fate.

How It Unfolds

Romances as grown-up fairy tales — The preface frames the stories as ancient, universal narratives with roots in folk tradition, setting the stage for a diverse collection. Sir Balin’s tragic journey — Balin’s quest leads to a fatal duel with his brother, highlighting the intertwining of fate and valor. The Holy Grail’s arrival — A mystical event at Camelot sparks a quest that will divide the knights and test their faith and courage. Sir Lancelot’s mysterious voyage — Lancelot’s journey on a sail-less ship introduces themes of spiritual quest and reunion with his son Galahad. The Fair Maid of Astolat’s love — Elaine’s unreturned love for Lancelot ends in death, illustrating the pain of courtly love. Siege of Joyous Gard — Lancelot defends Guenevere, leading to conflict with Arthur and Gawaine, exposing tensions in loyalty and justice. Epic battles of Roland and Charles — The Christian knights face Saracen armies in heroic combat, blending history and legend. Irish heroic saga of Diarmid and Grania — A tale of love, betrayal, and loyalty within the Fenians, rich with mythic elements. Grettir’s Norse saga — A violent, tragic hero’s story of feuds and outlawry closes the collection, emphasizing fate and redemption.

The People

Sir Balin le Savage is a fierce and bold knight whose courage is matched by tragic misfortune. His desire to prove himself leads to a fatal duel with his brother Balan, a conflict born of mistaken identity and fate’s cruelty. Balin’s story ends in grievous wounds and sorrow, embodying the tragic hero archetype.

Sir Lancelot du Lake is the epitome of chivalry and knightly prowess, yet his tale is marked by spiritual quests and personal sacrifice. He undertakes a mysterious voyage that leads to a reunion with his son Galahad, the purest knight. Lancelot’s loyalty to Queen Guenevere and his defense of her honor bring him into conflict with King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, complicating his legacy.

Elaine le Blanc, the Fair Maid of Astolat, is a figure of tragic love. Her deep affection for Lancelot, unreciprocated and ultimately fatal, highlights the painful side of courtly romance. Her death from unfulfilled love adds a poignant note to the chivalric tales.

Sir Gawaine is a loyal but impetuous knight whose vow to seek the Holy Grail fractures the Round Table fellowship. His fierce loyalty to family and king drives him to seek vengeance against Lancelot for the deaths of his brothers, illustrating the tensions between personal honor and collective unity.

Roland, a heroic Frankish knight, embodies martial valor and Christian faith. His leadership in battle alongside Emperor Charles against Saracen foes showcases the clash of civilizations and the ideal of knightly duty.

Diarmid, from Irish legend, is a complex figure torn between love and loyalty. His flight with Grania to escape forced marriage and the ensuing feud with Fionn reflect themes of passion, betrayal, and honor in Celtic mythology.

Grettir, a Norse hero, is marked by violent feuds and outlawry. His story of vengeance and eventual peace underscores the harsh realities of medieval justice and the possibility of redemption.

In Its Own Voice

The book’s tone is often direct and vivid, capturing the medieval spirit and the voices of its characters:

“Sir Balin le Savage, this is not the way for you, so turn again and choose some other path.” — A mysterious warning to Balin, foreshadowing his tragic fate.

“I repent, ever having come into this country, but for very shame I must go on.” — Balin’s resolve in the face of danger, embodying knightly honor.

“The Knights held their peace, but every man looked at his neighbour, and his countenance shone fairer than ever it had done before.” — The awe and reverence at the arrival of the Holy Grail in Camelot.

“I am a gentleman born, and my birth is better than yours, as I will prove upon your body.” — Sir Beaumains asserting his noble status against a challenger, reflecting themes of identity and honor.

“You may slay my horse if you will, but when my horse is slain I shall fight you on foot.” — Sir Lancelot’s fearless determination in battle.

“Montjoie! Montjoie!” — The battle cry of King Charles’s knights, evoking the fervor of medieval warfare.

What It's Really About

At its core, The Book of Romance explores the ideals and contradictions of medieval chivalry and heroism. The stories delve into the tension between personal honor and loyalty to a greater cause, whether that be a king, a quest, or a sacred ideal like the Holy Grail. The recurring theme of fate versus free will plays out in tragic duels, quests, and battles, where characters often face consequences beyond their control despite their courage and virtue.

Love, especially courtly love, is portrayed as both ennobling and destructive. Elaine’s unrequited love for Lancelot and the fraught relationship between Lancelot, Guenevere, and Arthur reveal the complexities of passion, loyalty, and betrayal within the chivalric code. The Grail quest symbolizes spiritual aspiration and the search for purity, contrasting with the earthly struggles and violence that dominate much of the narrative.

The collection also reflects the cultural and religious conflicts of its time, particularly in the tales of Roland and Emperor Charles fighting Saracen enemies, highlighting the medieval Christian worldview and its ideals of holy war and martyrdom. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Celtic and Norse legends broadens the scope, presenting a tapestry of mythic traditions that emphasize loyalty, honor, and the heroic struggle against fate.

Underlying these tales is a meditation on the nature of heroism itself—its glory, its costs, and its inevitable mingling with tragedy. The stories invite readers to consider the price of greatness and the human vulnerabilities beneath the armor of knights and kings.

Why Read It Today

The Book of Romance offers a rich and immersive experience for readers drawn to the medieval world of knights, quests, and legendary heroes. Its stories remain compelling for their vivid characters, dramatic conflicts, and timeless themes of honor, love, and fate. Readers who appreciate mythic storytelling and the roots of Western literary tradition will find much to engage them here.

However, the book’s length and archaic style may challenge modern readers. The language, while accessible, carries the flavor of early 20th-century editing of medieval texts, and some period attitudes—especially regarding gender and cultural perspectives—reflect their historical context. The episodic nature of the collection means it requires patience and attention to follow the many intertwined tales.

Yet the rewards are substantial: a window into the medieval imagination, where the fantastic and the moral intertwine, and where the ideals of chivalry are both celebrated and questioned. The blend of Arthurian legend with Celtic, Norse, and French heroic tales enriches the reading experience, offering a broad panorama of romance literature’s origins.

For those willing to engage with its complexities, The Book of Romance provides a lasting journey through a world of valor and enchantment, where the struggles of knights and heroes continue to resonate with the human condition. It is a foundational work for understanding the enduring power of romance as a literary form.