The great difference between the heroic epics of the pre-Christian era and the literature of the Middle ages was the concept of chivalry. The history of both traditions are thick with warriors or knights of great courage and skillful prowess, so far St. George the dragon slayer and the terrific Achilles are the same. But in the Middle Ages another, higher call was added, and this, in a word, were the customs of chivalry, which today have sadly become a thing of the past. To exhibit chivalry one must not only be brave but also modest, and courteous. A proper devotion to the church and humility and loyalty to a noble cause were required. Think of Vigil’s old Roman hero Aeneas, who, in order to build Rome must reject the devotion of Dido, causing her death. This was not the Medieval ideal. Maidens were to be respected, and rescued when they were in distress. Throwing mud at the ideal since it never happened only proves one is ignorant of the nature of an ideal. Of course the era of Christianity never lived up to the full demands of chivalry. But having an ideal provides something to aim for, even if it is impractical.
Reflective Wanderer 