Lancelot

Troyes, Chrétien de (1130–1191), translated by Kline, A.S., (contact-email)

Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart: an Arthurian romance by Chrétien de Troyes written c. 1180 simultaneously with Yvain, the Knight of the Lion. Chrétien de Troyes’ Arthurian Romances, written in the late 12th-century, provide a vital link between the Classical Roman poets, Ovid in particular, and the later medieval world of Dante and Chaucer. The five major verse tales, namely Érec and Énide (c1170), Cligès (c1176), Yvain or the Knight of the Lion (before 1181) Lancelot or the Knight of the Cart (before 1181), and Perceval (before 1190), introduce motifs and plot elements that recur frequently in later literature. Well-structured, lively, and witty the tales were written for a sophisticated courtly audience, and the five stories considered together gave expression to the reality and the deeper ideals of French chivalry. Chrétien appears to have used themes culled from French and British sources, while characters such as Lancelot, and features such as the Holy Grail, appear for the first time in European literature in his work. Here translated in rhyming couplets to mirror the original, rather than in unrepresentative prose, is a fresh treatment of one of France’s and Europe’s major poets.

Author Details

Chrétien de Troyes, a French poet active between approximately 1160 and 1191, is renowned for his contributions to Arthurian literature. His chivalric romances, including "Erec and Enide," "Lancelot," "Perceval," and "Yvain," are celebrated among the finest works of medieval literature's. His narrative techniques, especially in "Yvain," are considered a precursor to the modern novel.

Little is known about Chrétien's life. It is assumed he hailed from Troyes, or had strong ties to the city. He served at the court of Marie of France, Countess of Champagne, and later at the court of Philippe d'Alsace, Count of Flanders. Chrétien's actual name may have been a pseudonym adopted after converting from Judaism to Christianity.

Chrétien's legacy includes five major poems composed in rhyming eight-syllable couplets. Among these, "Erec and Enide," "Cligès," "Yvain," and "Lancelot" are textually complete. His final romance, "Perceval, the Story of the Grail," was left unfinished at his death. The poem was later expanded by various authors in what is known as the Four Continuations. The last part of "Lancelot" was also completed by another poet, Godefroi de Leigni.

Chrétien's works are thought to have drawn on Latin and French literary originals, and on continental lore with Celtic roots. His works significantly influenced medieval literature, inspiring adaptations in German and Welsh, and he is credited with the introduction of elements and motifs including the Holy Grail and Camelot, as well as the love affair between Guinevere and Lancelot, to Arthurian legend. His narrative style and incorporation of Classical influences marked a pivotal development in the evolution of poetic narrative.

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Kline, A.S.,

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