Short notes on The Ballad of Chevy Chase

The Ballad of Chevy Chase

Short notes on The Ballad of Chevy Chase 

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About Chevy Chase from Oxford Companion to English Literature:

One of the oldest of the English ballads, probably dates in its primitive form from the 15th cent. Its subject is the rivalry of the neighboring families of Percy and Douglas, heightened by the national quarrel between England and Scotland. Percy, earl of Northumberland has vowed to hunt for three days across the Scottish border 'maugre the doughty Douglas'. The two parties meet and fight, there is great slaughter on both sides, and both Percy and Douglas are killed (cf. OTTERBOURNE). The ballad is quoted and discussed by *Addison, who admired its 'majestic simplicity' and compared it to Virgil, in the Spectator (Nos. 70 and 74, May 1711). It is included in Percy's *Reliques.

So,

One of the outstanding popular ballads on the 'border' matter is Chevy Chase. This presents an engaging account of the conflict between Percy of Northumberland and Douglas of Scotland. The former wishes to hunt in the territory of his foe in order to defy him and provoke an encounter. The poem describes the fierce fighting between the rival parties. Douglas is slain and Percy is shown to lament for the death of his valiant enemy. Gallantry gives way to chivalrous nobility.

Chevy Chase stands out as a classic example of the epical ballad that is found inspired by the ideals of The Battle of Maldon and The Song at Brunanburh. It contains matters, both fierce and chivalrous. It has the grandeur of the fragmentary epic in its details of warfare and note of chivalry. Again, it possesses, too, epical directness and simplicity in its narrative details. Indeed, the work breathes a martial ardor, a chivalrous outlook, a homely simplicity and an all-pervasive harmony. It is found inspiring for subsequent ballad writers and has much significance in the history of English balladry.