Same Sex Relationships in Medieval Romance

Same-Sex Marriage Law

First law against same-sex marriage in 342 AD.

Justinian

Eastern Roman Emperor who banned gay sex in 533.

Visigothic Kingdom Law

c.650 laws against homosexuality with castration punishment.

Charlemagne's Admonition

c.780 request to eradicate homosexuality, no punishment specified.

Pope Leo IX Decree

1050 decree for humane punishment of same-sex acts.

Celibate Same-Sex Literature

Poems and letters often between scholars, celibate or sexual.

Ganymede

Distinct term for same-sex relationships in Latin literature.

The Game

Another term used for same-sex relationships in literature.

Courtly Romance

Literary genre focusing on chivalric love and ideals.

Morality of Kissing

Discussion on ethical implications of kissing practices.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Medieval text exploring themes of honor and chivalry.

The Pardoner's Tale

Narrative addressing greed and moral lessons.

Mock-Marriage Parties

Unrecognized ceremonies likely preceding same-sex marriage laws.

Humanely Admitted

Pope Leo IX's approach to reinstate those who repented.

Admonition

Formal request or warning, particularly from authority.

Medieval Church Figures

Influential individuals involved in same-sex literature.

Noblemen in Literature

Prominent male figures mentioned in same-sex writings.

Same-Sex Relationships Vocabulary

Specialized terms used in medieval literature for relationships.

Divine Mercy

Concept of forgiveness and compassion in religious context.

Censure of Equity

Judgment based on fairness and moral standards.

Penance for Same-Sex Acts

Required atonement for engaging in homosexual behavior.

Ganymede and Helen

C.1150 text discussing human nature and sexuality.

Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem

Passed law punishing homosexuality by burning c.1150.

Increased Prohibition

Rise in laws against homosexuality in 12th-13th centuries.

Third Lateran Council

1179 council expelling clergy for homosexuality.

Albigensian Crusade

1209 crusade justified by accusations of sodomy.

Destruction of Knights Templar

1312 event justified by claims of sodomy.

Edward II of England

Deposed in 1327 partly due to same-sex activity.

Courtly Romance

Literary tradition focusing on illicit love affairs.

Roman De La Rose

Notable courtly romance exploring themes of love.

Morte D'Arthur

Famous work featuring chivalric love and adventure.

Tirant Lo Blanche

Courtly romance highlighting knightly love pursuits.

Amadis do Gaula

Influential romance depicting heroic love stories.

Orlando Furioso

Epic poem intertwining love and warfare.

Gerusallema Liberata

Romance detailing love amidst the Crusades.

Rules of Love

Andreas Capellanus' guidelines on romantic relationships.

Love and Marriage

Marriage does not excuse lack of love.

Jealousy in Love

Jealousy is essential for true love.

Mourning for Lovers

Two years of mourning prescribed for deceased lovers.

Heart's Reaction

Heart beats wildly upon seeing beloved.

Love's Dynamics

Love constantly grows or diminishes over time.

Moral Integrity

Moral character deemed necessary for deserving love.

Jealousy

Increases when a lover suspects infidelity.

Power of Love

Drives individuals to love unconditionally.

Vexation from Love

Causes loss of appetite and sleep.

Avarice

Love departs from greedy or selfish behavior.

Thoughts of Beloved

Every action of a lover centers on their beloved.

Proper Love

Should not be directed towards someone shameful to marry.

True Lover's Belief

Believes only what pleases their beloved.

Desire for Embraces

True lovers seek only their beloved's affection.

Denial in Love

Love cannot refuse anything to true love.

Revealed Love

Rarely lasts when openly expressed.

Excess of Passion

Leads to unsuitability for genuine love.

Obsession with Beloved

True lovers are constantly fixated on their beloved.

Heterosexuality

Attraction between opposite genders.

Homosociality

Friendship exclusively among the same gender.

Effeminate Man Types

Includes homosexuals and ladies' men.

Courtly Romance

A literary genre focusing on chivalric love.

Mortal Sin Definition

Defined by the nature of action and intention.

Innocent Kisses

Considered innocent unless motivated by lust.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Outlined conditions for mortal sin regarding kisses.

Saint Peter Damian

Prescribed penances for inappropriate kissing behavior.

Sir Gawain's Quest

Involves a dangerous journey during Christmas.

Sir Gawain

A knight bound by chivalric codes.

Chivalry

Code of conduct for knights emphasizing honor.

Courtly Romance

Literary genre focusing on noble love and adventure.

Homosociality

Same-sex relationships that are non-sexual in nature.

Aggressive Female Sexuality

Strong sexual advances made by women.

Kissing

A gesture of affection or greeting.

Intimidation

Feeling of fear or apprehension.

Chivalric Friendship

Loyalty and duty between knights.

Guest Etiquette

Behavior expected from a visitor.

Christian Values

Moral principles based on Christianity.

Sexual Tension

Emotional and physical attraction between individuals.

Sir Berlak

Husband of the lady, representing loyalty.

Cortaysye

Politeness and courtesy in social interactions.

Disport

Entertainment or amusement, often in a playful context.

Venysoun

A hunting or game, often referring to prey.

Covenant

A formal agreement or promise.

Moral Dilemma

A situation requiring a choice between conflicting values.

Social Norms

Expected behaviors within a society.

Buddy Comedy

Genre focusing on friendship and humor.

Illegal Homosexuality

Same-sex relationships deemed unacceptable by society.

Morality of Kissing

Ethical considerations surrounding the act of kissing.

Final Exam Questions

Assessment items covering course material.

Pardoner

A church official selling indulgences.

Relics

Sacred objects believed to have miraculous powers.

Indulgences

Grants of remission from sin penalties.

Court of Rome

The central governing body of the Catholic Church.

Glarynge eyen

Bright, glaring eyes resembling a hare's.

Vernycle

A religious emblem or cloth, often worn.

Walett

A pouch used for carrying money or items.

Com hider, love, to me!

A loud invitation to come closer.

Geldyng

A castrated male, often used for horses.

Cokewold

A man whose wife is unfaithful.

Moral tale

A story conveying a lesson about right and wrong.

Nobles or pens

Types of currency offered for pardons.

Hoost

The host or leader of the group.

Absolution

Forgiveness of sins granted by a priest.

Poverte wilfully

Choosing to live in poverty intentionally.