One sad medieval story is the tale of Tristan and Isolde. Their love was doomed as Isolde was betrothed to another. Their secret affair led to much heartache and ultimately ended in tragedy. Another is the story of King Lear. His decision to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their false flattery led to his downfall, insanity, and the destruction of his family.
They were also a form of entertainment. Just as today we are drawn to stories with strong emotions, medieval audiences were interested in tales that could make them feel pity and sorrow. These stories often had moral lessons as well. For example, the downfall of a character due to pride or greed served as a warning to the listeners. Moreover, the religious context of the medieval period influenced these stories. Many sad stories were about the consequences of sin or the testing of one's faith. This added a spiritual dimension to the appeal of these sad tales.
One of the best medieval stories is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It gives a vivid picture of different types of people in medieval England through a collection of tales told by pilgrims on a journey. Another great one is the Arthurian legends, filled with knights, magic, and quests for the Holy Grail. And 'Beowulf' is also very notable, which tells the story of a hero's battles against monsters.
One characteristic is the use of symbolism. In medieval stories, things like swords or castles can symbolize power or safety. Another is the focus on the feudal system. Lords, vassals, and peasants are often part of the story's setting or plot. And the language used in good medieval stories can be archaic and formal, which adds to the atmosphere of the time. For example, the use of Middle English in some of Chaucer's works.
Another great medieval story is 'The Song of Roland'. It's an epic poem that focuses on the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. It shows the loyalty and heroism of Roland and his comrades in the face of the Saracens. The poem also gives insights into the values and military culture of the medieval period.
There could be many types of stories about a girl in a medieval stockade. One possibility is that she is a wrongly accused peasant girl. Maybe she was accused of stealing bread to feed her starving family. In the stockade, she might endure the jeers and stares of the villagers while waiting for a chance to prove her innocence.
Well, 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' is a great medieval story. It has elements of honor and testing a knight's integrity. Also, 'The Song of Roland' is quite well - known. It's about the heroic deeds of Roland in battle. And don't forget about 'Le Morte d'Arthur' which is a compilation of Arthurian legends and gives a more comprehensive look at the Arthurian world.
Medieval gay stories often had to be somewhat veiled. Since homosexuality was not openly accepted in the medieval era, these stories might use symbols or subtler language. For example, deep friendships between male characters that seemed to go beyond the norm of the time could be a way of hinting at same - sex attraction.
Medieval erotic stories may often feature a hierarchical structure in relationships. Given the feudal society of the time, there could be stories involving lords and ladies, or knights and their paramours. The power dynamics in these relationships could play a significant role in the erotic aspect of the story. For example, a knight's love for a noble lady might be influenced by her social status and the power she holds. Moreover, the settings in these stories are usually medieval - castles, manors, and the like.
Well, start by researching the history and culture of the medieval period. Understand the social structures, clothing, and common themes of that time. Then, create vivid characters with realistic motives and goals.