Le Morte D'Arthur is a renowned text and is perhaps the basis of all medieval Romantic stories. Remember that "romance" does not mean the same thing in medieval times as it does now. The Romance in Le Morte D'Arthur has nothing to do with love or marriage as we understand it. Instead, the Romantic elements have to do with knightly courage, honor, chivalry, and the (usually chaste) admiration of noble ladies. There are also often elements of magic involved.

When we look at the scene between Sir Gawain and Sir Launcelot, we can find several of these romantic elements. First, there is the question of knightly honor. Gawain insults Launcelot, calling him a coward and a traitor "to the king and me." According to the chivalry rules of his time, Launcelot cannot let the insult pass. Although he does not wish to confront Gawain, who is kin to King Arthur, he must do so in order to fulfill the requirements of a knight.

Another example is the magical powers of Gawain, who grows in strength for a three-hour period in the morning due to a hermit's enchantment. Then, when Launcelot finally defeats him, although they had agreed to fight to the death, Gawain in spared. This, too, is typical of medieval romances, for it demonstrates the sense of honor between knights and sense a loyalty to the king.