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Tristan: A Look into the Medieval Era In this paper, I would like to focus on how Von Strassburg’s Tristan accurately reflects the representation of knights and women, the relationship between men and women, and the role of religion during the medieval times. Knights in the medieval period are known as noble figures, they are chivalrous, masculine, and respectable. Women are represented only as commodities; they are seen as powerless beings and simply as prizes to be “won” by men. They have no real active role other than to fall in love and bear children. The relationship between men and women is quite different as well. Women take passive roles, whereas men take more aggressive roles in a relationship. Lastly, religion in Tristan is portrayed as an important part of everyday life. It is included into the rituals and rites of the people, and also serves as a guideline for people to follow in their lives. The image of an ideal knight in the medieval era is portrayed as educated, loyal, gentlemanly, and overall noble beings. These traits are shown through the characters Rivalin and Tristan in this story. “Rivalin had been a knight for some three years as befitted his high rank and had acquired the whole art of chivalry.