Subject
Romances -- Translations into English Books
Best books
de Troyes Chrétien
Four Arthurian Romances
"Four Arthurian Romances" by Chrétien de Troyes is a collection of medieval narratives written in the latter part of the 12th century. This work encompasses the stories of four heroes: Erec, Cligés, Yvain, and Lancelot, each exploring the themes of chivalry, romance, and adventure intertwined with the sophisticated ideals of courtly love. The romances reflect the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend, showcasing knights undertaking noble quests and engaging in battles for honor and love. The opening of "Four Arthurian Romances" introduces the tale of Erec and Enide, beginning with King Arthur's court and the announcement of a hunt for the elusive White Stag, which involves a significant and potentially troublesome tradition. Erec, a prominent knight, is drawn into conflict after a dwarf and a knight insult and strike a damsel at the court. Following this assault, Erec seeks to avenge the honor of the lady, embarking on a quest that leads him through various perils and encounters. His journey sets the stage for themes of valor and love as Erec strives to prove himself worthy, ultimately leading to his romantic involvement with Enide and the promise of her marriage. The romance illustrates not just action and adventure, but also explores the emotional and social dynamics of courtly life in a quintessential chivalric manner.
Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué
Undine
"Undine" by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque is a romantic fairy tale novel written in the early 19th century. The story follows Undine, a water sprite, and her encounters with humans, particularly focusing on her relationship with Sir Huldbrand of Ringstetten. The narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for a soul, addressing the nature of humanity through the lens of supernatural elements. The beginning of "Undine" introduces the idyllic setting of a picturesque cottage by a lake, where a fisherman lives with his aged wife. Their life is disrupted by the arrival of a knight, Sir Huldbrand, who is seeking shelter. During their evening together, they discuss the strange and whimsical personality of their adopted daughter, Undine, who is portrayed as a beautiful yet mischievous water spirit. The narrative hints at the mysteries surrounding Undine's origin, her connection to the water, and the potential for deeper magical and romantic entanglements as the knight becomes captivated by her charm. As the evening unfolds, Undine's enchanting presence foreshadows the challenges and adventures that lie ahead for both her and Sir Huldbrand.
de France Marie
French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France
"French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France" by Marie is a collection of narrative poems written during the 12th century. Among these Breton lais is "Guigemar," the tale of a knight cursed to feel no romantic love until a mysterious wound changes his fate. When a magical ship carries him to an imprisoned lady, their forbidden passion ignites. But separation tears them apart, leaving each with a knotted token only their true love can untie. Years later, destiny offers one final chance at reunion.
de Troyes Chrétien
Cliges: A Romance
"Cliges: A Romance" by Chrétien de Troyes is a poem written around 1176. This Arthurian romance unfolds in two parts: first following Alexander, a Greek prince who becomes a knight at King Arthur's court and marries the queen's niece, and then their son Cligès, who falls dangerously in love with his uncle's wife, Fenice. Their forbidden passion leads to elaborate deceptions, magical potions, and a daring escape that challenges the boundaries of courtly love and chivalric honor.
Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué
Undine
"Undine" by Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué is a novel written in the early 19th century, renowned for its blend of fairy tale elements and romantic themes. The story revolves around the enchanting character of Undine, a water spirit, and her interactions with humans, particularly Sir Huldbrand, a noble knight. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the mystical intertwining of the human and elemental worlds. The opening of "Undine" introduces us to a humble, old fisherman who lives near a serene lake surrounded by mysterious woods. One evening, he encounters a knight, Sir Huldbrand, seeking shelter after riding out from the ominous forest. As they converse, the fisherman mentions his foster daughter, Undine, who is mischievous yet charming. The chapter ends with Undine's sudden exit into the night, foreshadowing a rich exploration of her character and the magical events that will unfold. This beginning effectively sets the tone for a story filled with wonder, danger, and the complexity of love, as it hints at the mystical connection between Undine and the knight that will develop throughout the tale.
Wace
Arthurian Chronicles: Roman de Brut
"Arthurian Chronicles: Roman de Brut" by Wace is a Norman-French verse chronicle completed in 1155. This nearly 15,000-line poem retells Britain's legendary history from its founding by Trojan refugee Brutus through a thousand years of myth and pseudohistory. The work traces the island's story through King Leir, the Roman conquest, and the coming of Christianity, culminating in the tales of sub-Roman Britain. Most notably, it presents the first vernacular account of King Arthur's life, introducing the Round Table to world literature and launching an entire tradition of French Arthurian romance.
Unknown
Aucassin and Nicolete
"Aucassin and Nicolete" by Andrew Lang is a translation of an anonymous medieval French chantefable from the 12th or 13th century. This unique "sung story" combines prose and verse to tell of Aucassin, a nobleman's son who forsakes knighthood for his beloved Nicolette, a Saracen maiden. When their families oppose their love, the couple faces imprisonment, separation, and adventures across kingdoms. The work parodies medieval literary traditions, reversing gender roles and courtly romance conventions while satirizing the aristocratic culture of its time.
active 1200 Layamon
Layamon's Brut
"Layamon's Brut" by Layamon is a Middle English alliterative verse poem written between 1190 and 1215. Spanning over 16,000 lines, this epic chronicles a fictionalized history of Britain from its mythical founder Brutus of Troy through the Early Middle Ages. Written by an English priest in deliberately archaic Anglo-Saxon vocabulary, the work features an expanded section on King Arthur's life and exploits. It stands as the first major historical work composed in English since the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, preserving Britain's legendary past during an era dominated by French literature.
Unknown
Aucassin and Nicolette translated from the Old French
"Aucassin and Nicolette" by Francis William Bourdillon is a lyrical narrative composed in the close of the 12th century, reflecting a medieval romance akin to both an epic poem and a novel. The story presents a timeless theme of love, focusing on the passionate yet thwarted romance between Aucassin, a young nobleman, and Nicolette, a captive lady of noble birth, exploring issues of societal class, identity, and personal desire against a backdrop of familial and political conflict. The narrative glorifies the poignant emotional struggles of Aucassin, who defies his family's wishes to pursue a bright future with Nicolette, despite her status as a slave-girl. Following their initial separation—instigated by Aucassin's father, who hopes to prevent his son from pursuing this forbidden love—the lovers endure numerous trials, including imprisonment, warfare, and personal sacrifice. The story unfolds through a tapestry of verses that illuminate their unwavering devotion, culminating in a tale of perseverance as they overcome their circumstances, ultimately reuniting against overwhelming odds in a journey filled with nostalgia and hope.
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