Anglo-Norman literature

 Anglo-Norman literature, also known as Norman-French literature, body of writings in the Old French language as used in medieval England, began with the Norman conquest in 1066. The French invasion in 1066 changed Anglo-Saxon culture of England. French became the language of the court, Latin the language of church, and English became the language of peasants. Prior to the Norman Conquest, the Anglo-Saxon language wasn't considered appropriate for the realm of literature. Anything that was thought to be vaguely important or permanent was penned in Latin. Similarly, after the Norman Conquest, the language spoken at the English courts was always a form of French—a dialect called, unsurprisingly, "Anglo-Norman French."For the English aristocracy, Anglo-Norman became an acquired tongue and its use a test of gentility.

• Anglo-Norman aristocrats loved the old Celtic oral tales sung by Breton storytellers. These tales were called Breton "lays."Breton lays were developed by writers like Marie de France and Chrétien de Troyes into the form known as "romance." Romance was the main narrative genre for late medieval readers.

A chivalric romance (from the word "roman" meaning a work in the French vernacular tongue) focuses on knightly adventures (including ethical and spiritual quests), knightly love for and courtesy toward ladies, and the display of martial prowess against powerful, sometimes supernatural foes.

The most famous example of knightly chivalry was the legendary court of King Arthur. Romances, in which a knight must prove his worthiness through bravery and noble deeds, can reflect the social aspirations of members of the lower nobility to rise socially.