French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France: A Quick Read edition

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The book discusses the lais of Marie de France, a collection of twelve short narrative poems written in Anglo-Norman in the late 12th century. These poems focus on courtly love and are considered the basis for the genre known as the Breton lais. Marie's lais celebrate love, individuality, and vivid descriptions, reflecting the emerging literature of the time. Only one manuscript, Harley 978, preserves all twelve lais. The arrangement of the lais in this manuscript contrasts the positive and negative consequences of love. Marie's prologue in the manuscript explains her inspiration and desire to preserve these tales. Two of her lais mention King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, making her a precursor to later Arthurian tales. Marie's lais were also among the first works translated into Old Norse. Overall, Marie de France's lais hold significance in Anglo-Norman and medieval literature, despite little being known about the poet herself.

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