Three Arthurian Romances

Rather than stories of knights embodying lofty values and inventing ethereal symbols, the three medieval Arthurian romances here are more likely to praise the knights' ability to increase their own prestige, and to contain fantastic symbols and episodes relating to less spiritual values.

Taking the legends surrounding King Arthur and weaving in new psychological elements of personal desire and courtly manner, Chrétien de Troyes fashioned a new form of medieval Romance. The Knight of the Cart is the first telling of the adulterous relationship between Lancelot and Arthur's Queen Guinevere, and in The Knight with the Lion Yvain neglects his bride in his quest for greater glory. Erec and Enide explores a knight's conflict between love and honour, Cligés exalts the possibility of pure love outside marriage, while the haunting The Story of the Grail chronicles the legendary quest. Rich in symbolism, these evocative tales combine closely observed detail with fantastic adventure to create a compelling world that profoundly influenced Malory, and are the basis of the Arthurian legends we know today.

From the publisher. The 12th-century poet Chrétien de Troyes is chiefly responsible for the preservation of Arthurian myth and its eminent role in European literature. This sensitive translation of his verse narratives features four romances. Its tales of Lancelot and early Grail legends offer lively, accessible views of the ideals of French chivalry.

A fine collection...an excellent introduction to Chrétien's world and work. Highly recommended. CHOICE Chrétien de Troyes is arguably the creator of Arthurian romance, and it is on his work that later writers have based their interpretations. This book offers both crucial information on, and a comprehensive coverage of, all aspectsof the work of Chrétien de Troyes - the literary and historical background, patronage, his influence on other writers, manuscripts and editions of his work and, at the heart of the volume, major essays on the themes, techniques and artistic achievements in each of his compositions; the contributions, all from leading experts in Chrétien and related studies, have been commissioned especially for this volume and are designed to remain accessible to studentswhile also addressing specialists in Arthurian studies and Chrétien de Troyes. They reflect the most current critical and scholarly views on one of the greatest of medieval authors. CONTRIBUTORS: JOHN W. BALDWIN, JUNEHALL MCCASH, LAURENCE HARF-LANCNER, NORRIS J. LACY, DOUGLAS KELLY, KEITH BUSBY, PETER F. DEMBOWSKI, ROBERTA L. KRUEGER, DONALD MADDOX, SARA STURM-MADDOX, JOAN TASKER GRIMBERT, MATILDA TOMARYN BRUCKNER, TONY HUNT, RUPERT T. PICKENS, ANNIE COMBES, MICHELLE SZKILNIK, EMMANUELE BAUMGARTNER

Chrétien de Troyes' Four Arthurian Romances continued and expanded on existing Arthurian legends, but began the Arthurian Romance genre, so popular in Medieval literature. His tales often diverge from Arthur himself, focussing instead on the characters of his court. Chretien introduced Sir Lancelot and also the Holy Grail to the Arthurian legends. He is considered the first major French novelist.

"The Three Days' Tournament" by Jessie L. Weston is a literary gem that immerses readers in the enchanting world of medieval romance and folklore. Weston's meticulous research and storytelling prowess breathe life into a bygone era, where chivalry and love reigned supreme. With every turn of the page, readers are transported to a time of knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, and epic quests for honor and affection. Weston's narrative not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of medieval customs and values. Her prose captures the essence of courtly love, and readers will find themselves enthralled by the intricate web of relationships and rivalries that define the tournament. For history enthusiasts and lovers of classic literature, "The Three Days' Tournament" offers a captivating glimpse into a world where honor, gallantry, and devotion were the driving forces of society. Weston's work is a testament to her deep appreciation for this era, making this book an invaluable addition to the library of anyone who treasures the beauty of medieval romance and storytelling.

Introduced and translated by W. W. Comfort. Originally written in rhyming eight-syllable couplets, these epic poems date from the twelfth century and served as the original inspiration of what became the Arthurian Cycles - the legends of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, Courtly Love and popular Medieval imagery and life. The first romance tells the story of Erec, who serves as part of Queen Guinevere's retinue, his quest for the hand of princess Enide, and his struggle for honor on the battlefield, and finally their crowning as King and Queen of Nantes. The second romance tells the story of the knight Cliges, the prince regent of Constantinople and second cousin to King Arthur. While Cliges is growing up in Britain, Constantinople is ruled by his uncle Alis. Upon his return to that city, Cliges falls in love with Alis's wife, Fenice-who, by means of a magic potion, has never consummated her marriage. The drama which ensues is a whirlwind of deception, but ultimate victory for courtly love. The third romance tells the story of Yvain, the Knight with the Lion whose loyal servant is a lion he rescues from a servant - and whose strength in battle saves his life more than once in battle with natural and supernatural foes. The fourth romance tells the story of Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart, and of the love affair between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot, after he rescues her from abduction by Meleagant. It tells of Lancelot's struggles to rescue the queen and of the battle to balance his duties of loyalty to Arthur and his personal love for Guinevere. Chretien de Troyes's works played a major role in helping to shape Arthurian romance-but also, due to his detailed descriptions of everyday court life, provided a fascinating window into early Medieval ruling class lifestyles.