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A review by leesmyth
Yvain, The Knight of the Lion by Chrétien de Troyes
5.0
I loved the poem, particularly in this translation. So wonderful!
The lion is fabulous, a stellar example to Yvain (who becomes noticeably more selfless over the course of the poem). Yvain's lady's clever friend is a delight. There is one very surprising situation Yvain rescues people from.
The only textual note I made along the way was of this exchange between one of many maidens who request Yvain's help, and his response:
"Now tell me, please, if you dare
To come as she asks, or if
You'll choose to say no and do nothing."
"No," he answered, "saying
No wins no man fame.
No more will I say no,
But follow you, sweet friend!
Gladly, wherever you please. [...]"
That's just lovely.
The lion is fabulous, a stellar example to Yvain (who becomes noticeably more selfless over the course of the poem). Yvain's lady's clever friend is a delight. There is one very surprising situation Yvain rescues people from.
The only textual note I made along the way was of this exchange between one of many maidens who request Yvain's help, and his response:
"Now tell me, please, if you dare
To come as she asks, or if
You'll choose to say no and do nothing."
"No," he answered, "saying
No wins no man fame.
No more will I say no,
But follow you, sweet friend!
Gladly, wherever you please. [...]"
That's just lovely.