As mentioned in Don Quijote as “the greatest book of chivalry ever written,” Amadis de Gaul is a breakthrough novel written by Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo. The text was originally published in 1508 in Castillian language. The book is known for being the epitome of knight-errantry and romantic chivalry. The first five volumes of the story of Amadis were written by Rodriguez de Montalvo, but twenty four books have since been added to the story and there has also been numerous spin off stories. Unlike many other novels of knights of the period, Amadis is more well-rounded hero. This is because he would slay any enemy without a second thought, but would also beg with emotion for the hand of his lady. Amadis has all the characteristics of the ideal knight, being religious, romantic, and brutal in battle. The character Don Quijote in Cervantes' novel, idolizes Amadis as if his life were a real account. The events within the novel occur all across the European continent and also include fantasy locations. When Amadis becomes a knight, he changes his name to Beltenebros and starts his career of knighthood for his lady Oriana. This serves as a parallel with Cervantes' parody, Don Quijote. This being that at first the character Don Quijote was known as Alonso Quixana before deciding to become a knight at the service of his lady, Dulcinea del Toboso. The tales of Amadis de Gaul and his traits serve as the basis of Don Quijote's character and Amadis is referenced multiple times within Cervantes' novel. Works Consulted:
Garcis Rodriguez de Montalvo. Amadis of Gaul: A Novel of Chivalry of the 14th Century Presumably First Written in Spanish. Translated by Place, Edwin B. and Behm, Herbert C. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, 1974
"Amadis De Gaula." Wikipedia. 3 Mar. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amad%C3%ADs_de_Gaula>.
As mentioned in Don Quijote as “the greatest book of chivalry ever written,” Amadis de Gaul is a breakthrough novel written by Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo. The text was originally published in 1508 in Castillian language. The book is known for being the epitome of knight-errantry and romantic chivalry. The first five volumes of the story of Amadis were written by Rodriguez de Montalvo, but twenty four books have since been added to the story and there has also been numerous spin off stories. Unlike many other novels of knights of the period, Amadis is more well-rounded hero. This is because he would slay any enemy without a second thought, but would also beg with emotion for the hand of his lady. Amadis has all the characteristics of the ideal knight, being religious, romantic, and brutal in battle. The character Don Quijote in Cervantes' novel, idolizes Amadis as if his life were a real account. The events within the novel occur all across the European continent and also include fantasy locations. When Amadis becomes a knight, he changes his name to Beltenebros and starts his career of knighthood for his lady Oriana. This serves as a parallel with Cervantes' parody, Don Quijote. This being that at first the character Don Quijote was known as Alonso Quixana before deciding to become a knight at the service of his lady, Dulcinea del Toboso. The tales of Amadis de Gaul and his traits serve as the basis of Don Quijote's character and Amadis is referenced multiple times within Cervantes' novel.
Works Consulted:
Garcis Rodriguez de Montalvo. Amadis of Gaul: A Novel of Chivalry of the 14th Century Presumably First Written in Spanish. Translated by Place, Edwin B. and Behm, Herbert C. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, 1974
"Amadis De Gaula." Wikipedia. 3 Mar. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amad%C3%ADs_de_Gaula>.