Since the beginning of human history, people have loved a good story. Legends and myths from all over the world deal with themes such as love, war, chivalry and intrigue. Add a dose of magic and creatures such as monsters, dragons and fairies and you have the recipe for a story that will have readers or listeners on the edge of their seat. These elements are timeless and often those old stories influence new stories. For instance, many fantasy romance novels based in England are influenced by the legends of King Arthur.
Fantasy romance combines two of the most popular literary genres. Fantasy with its tales of magic, dragons and fairies is becoming increasingly popular these days. Romance as a genre sells in the millions too. The great thing about the Arthurian legends is that they're a perfect blend of these, with great love stories that involve a good dose of magic.
While many books in the genre are set in imaginary places, Arthurian legend is set in England. King Arthur is said to have lived in about the 5th or 6th century, when Christianity was becoming more widespread in a country at war with the Anglo-Saxons. There is debate on whether King Arthur really existed and where his famous Camelot was located but the stories often mention real English locations.
One of the most famous love stories in Arthurian legend is that of Lancelot and Guinevere. Lancelot is one of King Arthur's most trusted Knights of the Round Table. He was raised in Avalon, the magic kingdom of the Lady of the Lake, and among his brave exploits is his killing of a dragon. The relationship between him and Guinevere, the king's wife, makes for a tragic love triangle which eventually helps to bring Arthur's kingdom to a fall.
Love triangles are quite popular in Arthurian legend. Another famous one is the triangle between Tristan, Iseult and King Mark of Cornwall. Tristan is King Mark's nephew and is entrusted with the task of going to Ireland to fetch the king's bride-to-be, Iseult. Then a love potion that makes Tristan and Iseult fall for each other complicates things.
Luckily not all love stories at Camelot end in tears. One of the most romantic stories is that of Gawain and Ragnelle. Gawain is Arthur's nephew and another one of his most trusted knights. He marries Ragnelle in order to prevent Arthur's execution. This is a great sacrifice since Ragnelle is the complete opposite of all the great beauties in the kingdom. However, the spell that made her so unsightly is broken through Gawain's chivalrous actions.
There are many works based on Arthurian legend, including some that are literary classics. Contemporary writers often use these stories as the basis for their works too. Some set the traditional stories in modern times. Others create reinterpretations of the old stories by telling them from a different point of view.
Most stories with an Arthurian basis can be classified as fantasy romance. Look for them in this section or in the separate fantasy and romance sections. You'll find the traditional stories among the classics. The easiest way to find these novels is to search online, where the summaries and reviews will also help you make a decision before you buy.
Fantasy romance combines two of the most popular literary genres. Fantasy with its tales of magic, dragons and fairies is becoming increasingly popular these days. Romance as a genre sells in the millions too. The great thing about the Arthurian legends is that they're a perfect blend of these, with great love stories that involve a good dose of magic.
While many books in the genre are set in imaginary places, Arthurian legend is set in England. King Arthur is said to have lived in about the 5th or 6th century, when Christianity was becoming more widespread in a country at war with the Anglo-Saxons. There is debate on whether King Arthur really existed and where his famous Camelot was located but the stories often mention real English locations.
One of the most famous love stories in Arthurian legend is that of Lancelot and Guinevere. Lancelot is one of King Arthur's most trusted Knights of the Round Table. He was raised in Avalon, the magic kingdom of the Lady of the Lake, and among his brave exploits is his killing of a dragon. The relationship between him and Guinevere, the king's wife, makes for a tragic love triangle which eventually helps to bring Arthur's kingdom to a fall.
Love triangles are quite popular in Arthurian legend. Another famous one is the triangle between Tristan, Iseult and King Mark of Cornwall. Tristan is King Mark's nephew and is entrusted with the task of going to Ireland to fetch the king's bride-to-be, Iseult. Then a love potion that makes Tristan and Iseult fall for each other complicates things.
Luckily not all love stories at Camelot end in tears. One of the most romantic stories is that of Gawain and Ragnelle. Gawain is Arthur's nephew and another one of his most trusted knights. He marries Ragnelle in order to prevent Arthur's execution. This is a great sacrifice since Ragnelle is the complete opposite of all the great beauties in the kingdom. However, the spell that made her so unsightly is broken through Gawain's chivalrous actions.
There are many works based on Arthurian legend, including some that are literary classics. Contemporary writers often use these stories as the basis for their works too. Some set the traditional stories in modern times. Others create reinterpretations of the old stories by telling them from a different point of view.
Most stories with an Arthurian basis can be classified as fantasy romance. Look for them in this section or in the separate fantasy and romance sections. You'll find the traditional stories among the classics. The easiest way to find these novels is to search online, where the summaries and reviews will also help you make a decision before you buy.
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