King Arthur

Romances, in general, are intriguing to read when there is drama. In fact, most stories become popular and interesting only when drama between characters occurs. It is the unknowingness that makes all readers want to read on, and the stories become even better when the author throws an unexpected twist on the ending. Romance stories must include some mystery, or else they would all be the same. If authors didn't add a few twists, each story would consist of a pretty girl meeting a handsome, famous young fellow, both of whom fall in love at first sight and after a few complications they live happily ever after. However, this started in the Medieval period with authors such as whom who wrote "Sir Gawain and The Lady Ragnell". Lady Ragnell was not your typical storybook princess, she was "almost as wide as she was high, her skin ws mottled, green, and spikes of weedlike hair covered her head" (Anonymous, 20) and yet Sir Gawain still managed to see the good in her.

Medieval stories also began the mystery aspect of romances. Also in "Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell", the question of "What is it that women most desire, above all else" (Anonymous, 20) is asked. Throughout the entire story readers are being led to believe that this question has no answer. In this story the answer is found within Arthur, and not in the knights and squires that he has asked. The power of sovereignty and the ability to exercise their own will is the answer Arthur found deep inside of him, after feeling that he will never find the true response. For some people this answer may be different, one's values vary depending on their personality, but for the majority of people, this response holds true.

Lust is a major factor in creating romance stories. It is common in all romances for the two individuals that end up spending their lives together to meet up in an uncommon way and fall in love at first sight. "Le Morte D'Arthur" shows a perfect example of this. King Arthur spots Gwynevere from afar and immediately says 'I want her'. Even after being warned that she is not the one for him, Arthur refuses to give up hope. "Because Gwynevere is destined to love Sir Launcelot, and he her, and many disasters will result rom their love." It is very common for the stars of these stories to confuse lust with love, and thus, many complications are the result.

Appearance always plays a huge role in the ending of a story. If you haven't noticed from reading romances already, it is usually the younger, more handsome and strong male that wins over the young, beautiful woman's heart. This holds true in the film "First Knight" produced in 1995. On paper, King Arthur is merely a young boy, but in this film, he is purposely aged so Gwynevere will easily fall for Sir Gawain. It is clear from the beginning that Arthur was never meant to be with this beautiful young woman, but he is the only person who is unaware of this fate. Appearance and lust can easily distract an individual and can make them make the wrong decisions.

Medieval romances started many trends to romances that follow. Drama and mystery will continue to intrigue readers and there will always be a storybook tale that is usually followed while writing a romance. However, it is the small twists, as seen in "Sir Gawain and The Lady Ragnell" that truly make these stories different and rememberable.