What is Girart de Vienne and when was it composed?

Girart de Vienne is an Old French chanson de geste, a type of epic poem, that was composed around 1180. It is a significant work from the late twelfth century.

Who is credited as the author of Girart de Vienne?

The author of Girart de Vienne is Bertrand de Bar-sur-Aube.

What central narrative elements does Girart de Vienne explore?

The poem tells the story of the sons of Garin de Monglane and their conflicts with Emperor Charlemagne. It also notably establishes the epic friendship between the renowned heroes Olivier and Roland.

What is the structural composition of Girart de Vienne in terms of verse?

Girart de Vienne is composed of more than 6000 rhymed decasyllable verses. A decasyllable verse is a line of poetry containing ten syllables, and these verses are organized into poetic sections called laisses.

What is the likely origin of the text for Girart de Vienne?

The text of Girart de Vienne was likely based on an earlier poem, which unfortunately is now lost.

How did the popularity and form of Girart de Vienne evolve over time?

Girart de Vienne was extremely popular up until the Renaissance. Following this period, it was adapted into a version using alexandrines, a longer verse form, in the 14th century, and was also converted into five distinct prose versions.

Can you list the known authors or sources of the prose versions of Girart de Vienne?

The source text mentions several authors responsible for prose versions of Girart de Vienne. These include David Aubert (in his Chroniques et conquestes de Charlemagne), Raffaele Marmora, Jean d'Outremeuse, and an anonymous version attached to the prose adaptation of Garin de Monglane.

What event triggers the main conflict in the plot of Girart de Vienne?

The conflict is initiated when Aymeri, the son of Hernaut (one of Garin de Monglane's sons), becomes enraged after hearing the Empress boast about having previously humiliated his uncle, Girart. This insult provokes Aymeri to incite his brothers to battle against the Emperor.

How is the feud between Olivier and Roland resolved within the poem?

To end the escalating conflict, Olivier and Roland are pitted against each other in a duel near Vienne. However, as night falls, an angel intervenes, advising the heroes to preserve their strength for fighting infidels. Following this divine counsel, the two swear an oath of eternal friendship.

What significant personal development occurs for Roland after his oath of friendship with Olivier?

Following the establishment of his eternal friendship with Olivier, Roland proposes marriage to Olivier's sister, Aude.

What external event interrupts the narrative progression towards Roland and Aude's marriage?

Before the marriage ceremony between Roland and Aude can take place, a messenger arrives bearing urgent news: the arrival of Saracens in Gascony, which redirects the heroes' attention to this new military threat.

What is Girart de Vienne's significance in the classification of epic literature?

Girart de Vienne is particularly famous for its role in organizing the chansons de geste, also known as the Matter of France, into three distinct literary cycles. These cycles are named after key characters or ancestral figures.

What are the three cycles of chansons de geste identified in relation to Girart de Vienne?

The three cycles are: the Geste du roi, which focuses on Charlemagne and his knights; the Geste de Doon de Mayence, concerning rebels against royal authority; and the Geste de Garin de Monglane, which centers on knights seeking land and glory through combat with Saracens.

Describe the primary focus of the Geste du roi cycle.

The Geste du roi cycle is considered the most distinguished of the three, primarily focusing on the deeds and authority of Charlemagne and his loyal knights.

What are the key characteristics and figures associated with the Geste de Doon de Mayence?

The Geste de Doon de Mayence is characterized by its focus on rebels against royal authority. Prominent figures from this lineage include Renaud de Montauban and Girart de Roussillon. The lineage is also notably associated with Ganelon, whose treason caused immense sorrow and the death of the Twelve Peers.

What defines the knights belonging to the Geste de Garin de Monglane cycle?

Knights from the Geste de Garin de Monglane are typically described as younger sons who lacked inheritance and sought to gain land and glory through military combat, particularly against the Saracens. They are portrayed as wise, bold, skilled fighters, and noble warriors.

According to the quoted passage, who are the four sons of Garin de Monglane?

The four sons of Garin de Monglane mentioned in the quoted passage are Hernaut of Beaulande, Milon of Apulia, Renier of Geneva, and Girart the warrior.

How does the quoted text link the lineage of Ganelon to the Geste de Doon de Mayence?

The quoted text explicitly states that Ganelon descended from the lineage of Doon de Mayence. It highlights that while this lineage produced many great knights, their inherent pride and treason led to their downfall, drawing a parallel to the fall of angels.

What virtues are attributed to the knights within the Geste de Garin de Monglane lineage?

The knights of the Geste de Garin de Monglane are praised for their wisdom, boldness, fighting prowess, and nobility. They are noted for their loyalty to the French king, their efforts to advance his honor, and their active role in promoting Christendom while combating Saracens.

Which of Garin de Monglane's sons is identified as the father of Olivier?

Renier of Geneva, one of the four sons of Garin de Monglane, is identified as the father of Olivier.

Where does the duel between Olivier and Roland take place?

The duel between Olivier and Roland occurs near the city of Vienne.

What role does an angel play in the narrative of Girart de Vienne?

An angel appears during the duel between Olivier and Roland, advising them to cease their fight and save their strength for battling infidels. This intervention facilitates their decision to swear eternal friendship.

What is the 'Matter of France' and how does Girart de Vienne relate to it?

The 'Matter of France' refers to a collection of epic poems, or chansons de geste, concerning Charlemagne and his knights. Girart de Vienne is a significant chanson de geste within this body of work and is notable for helping to categorize it into three distinct cycles.

During which historical period did the popularity of Girart de Vienne begin to decline?

The popularity of Girart de Vienne significantly decreased after the Renaissance period.

Approximately how many verses does the poem Girart de Vienne contain?

The poem Girart de Vienne contains over 6000 rhymed decasyllable verses.

What is a 'laisse' in the context of Girart de Vienne's structure?

A 'laisse' is a poetic division within the chanson de geste, similar to a stanza, where a group of verses typically share the same rhyme.

Who is Raffaele Marmora in the context of Girart de Vienne's adaptations?

Raffaele Marmora is mentioned as one of the individuals who created a prose version of the epic poem Girart de Vienne.

What contribution is attributed to Jean d'Outremeuse regarding Girart de Vienne?

Jean d'Outremeuse is credited with authoring one of the five prose versions derived from the original chanson de geste, Girart de Vienne.

What are the publication details for the scholarly edition of Girart de Vienne mentioned in the text?

The scholarly edition of Girart de Vienne was edited by Wolfgang van Emden, published in Paris by SATF, and released in 1977.

Who is the translator of the English version of Girart de Vienne, and what is its title?

Michael A. Newth translated Girart de Vienne into English. The translated work is titled 'The Song of Girart of Vienne by Bertrand de Bar-Sur-Aube: A Twelfth-Century Chanson de Geste'.

In which work did David Aubert include his prose adaptation of Girart de Vienne?

David Aubert included his prose version of Girart de Vienne within his larger work titled 'Chroniques et conquestes de Charlemagne'.

What is the primary thematic concern of the Geste de Doon de Mayence cycle?

The Geste de Doon de Mayence cycle primarily deals with characters who are rebels against royal authority.

What negative trait is emphasized regarding the lineage associated with the Geste de Doon de Mayence?

The text emphasizes that the lineage of the Geste de Doon de Mayence was marked by pride and treason, which ultimately led to their downfall.

What positive actions are specifically attributed to the knights of the Geste de Garin de Monglane?

The knights of the Geste de Garin de Monglane are credited with actively promoting Christendom and destroying and confounding Saracens.

What is the source and attribution for the quoted passage describing the three cycles?

The quoted passage originates from Girart de Vienne itself, specifically lines 8 through 67. The translation provided is attributed to J. J. Duggan.

What is the significance of the city of Vienne within the plot of Girart de Vienne?

Vienne is significant as the location near which the pivotal duel between the heroes Olivier and Roland takes place, an event intended to resolve the conflict between their families and the Emperor.

How does Girart de Vienne establish a connection between the heroes Olivier and Roland?

The poem connects Olivier and Roland through a duel that results in an oath of eternal friendship. This bond is further solidified when Roland later proposes to marry Olivier's sister, Aude.

What does the comparison to fallen angels imply about the lineage of Doon de Mayence?

The comparison to fallen angels suggests that the pride and folly characteristic of the Doon de Mayence lineage, exemplified by Ganelon's actions, resulted in a severe and perhaps eternal negative consequence, mirroring the biblical fall from grace.

What is the main purpose or focus of the Geste du roi cycle?

The main purpose of the Geste du roi cycle is to chronicle the authority and deeds of Charlemagne and his knights, representing the central royal power within the epic tradition.

What historical context is implied by the mention of Saracens in Gascony?

The mention of Saracens arriving in Gascony suggests a historical context of conflict between Christian Europe and Muslim forces, a recurring theme in medieval literature and history.

How does Girart de Vienne relate to the broader literary tradition known as the 'Matter of France'?

Girart de Vienne is a key chanson de geste within the 'Matter of France,' a collection of epic poems about Charlemagne. Importantly, Girart de Vienne is recognized for its role in categorizing this body of literature into three distinct cycles.

What specific detail about the inheritance of knights in the Geste de Garin de Monglane is mentioned?

The text indicates that knights within the Geste de Garin de Monglane were typically younger sons who did not inherit land, suggesting they sought fortune and status through military service.

What is the approximate date of composition for Girart de Vienne?

Girart de Vienne was composed around 1180, placing its creation in the late twelfth century.

What type of verses are predominantly used in Girart de Vienne?

Girart de Vienne predominantly uses rhymed decasyllable verses, meaning each line typically consists of ten syllables.

What is the function of the Empress's bragging in the plot's inciting incident?

The Empress's bragging about humiliating Girart serves as the direct catalyst for the conflict, enraging Aymeri and prompting him to incite the sons of Garin de Monglane to engage in battle against the Emperor.

What is the title of the work in which David Aubert included a prose version of Girart de Vienne?

David Aubert included his prose adaptation of Girart de Vienne in his work titled 'Chroniques et conquestes de Charlemagne'.

What is the English title and publication year for Michael A. Newth's translation of Girart de Vienne?

The English translation by Michael A. Newth is titled 'The Song of Girart of Vienne by Bertrand de Bar-Sur-Aube: A Twelfth-Century Chanson de Geste,' and it was published in 1999.

What is the primary characteristic defining the Geste du roi cycle?

The primary characteristic of the Geste du roi cycle is its focus on Charlemagne and his knights, representing the royal lineage and authority.

What specific act of treason is linked to the lineage of the Geste de Doon de Mayence?

The specific act of treason linked to the lineage of the Geste de Doon de Mayence is that of Ganelon, who caused great sorrow and led to the death of the Twelve Peers of France in pagan lands.

What is the overarching theme associated with the knights of the Geste de Garin de Monglane regarding their actions?

The overarching theme for the knights of the Geste de Garin de Monglane is their loyalty to their king, their martial prowess, and their dedication to promoting Christendom while actively fighting against Saracens.

Girart De Vienne Wiki: Saga of the Sons: Girart de Vienne Unveiled

Introduction to Girart de Vienne

A Landmark Chanson de Geste

Girart de Vienne stands as a significant work within the corpus of Old French literature, specifically classified as a chanson de geste (song of deeds). Composed around the late twelfth century, approximately 1180, by the poet Bertrand de Bar-sur-Aube, this epic poem offers a rich narrative tapestry. It delves into the conflicts between the loyal vassals of Charlemagne and the emperor himself, while crucially establishing the profound friendship between two of the most celebrated heroes of the Carolingian epics: Olivier and Roland.^[1]

Structure and Form

The poem is meticulously crafted, comprising over 6,000 rhymed decasyllable verses, organized into narrative segments known as laisses.^[1]^[2] While the extant text dates from the late twelfth century, it is believed to be based on an earlier, now lost, poetic composition.^[1] Its enduring appeal led to numerous adaptations, including a version in alexandrines during the 14th century and five distinct prose adaptations, showcasing its widespread influence through the medieval period and into the Renaissance.^[1]

Context: The Carolingian Epics

As a chanson de geste, Girart de Vienne belongs to a tradition of epic poetry celebrating the deeds of knights and rulers, particularly those associated with the court of Charlemagne. These narratives often explore themes of loyalty, honor, warfare, and faith. The poem's contribution to solidifying the legendary status of figures like Olivier and Roland, and its role in structuring the broader cycle of Carolingian literature, marks it as a text of considerable historical and literary importance.

The Narrative Arc: Plot Summary

The Sons of Garin and Imperial Conflict

The narrative commences by introducing the four sons of Garin de Monglane: Hernaut, Girart, Renier, and Milon. Each son establishes themselves with a fief, with Renier eventually becoming the father of the renowned Olivier. The central conflict ignites when Aymeri, the son of Hernaut, becomes incensed upon hearing the Empress boast of a past humiliation inflicted upon his uncle, Girart. This perceived insult galvanizes the brothers, inciting them to challenge imperial authority.

A Fateful Duel and Enduring Friendship

In a pivotal attempt to resolve the escalating conflict, Olivier is put forth to engage in a duel against Roland, the nephew of Emperor Charlemagne. The confrontation takes place near Vienne. However, the duel concludes without a decisive victor as nightfall intervenes. An angelic intervention then advises the two heroes to conserve their strength for the impending battles against the Saracens. This divine counsel leads Olivier and Roland to swear an oath of eternal friendship. Following this pact, Roland proposes marriage to Olivier's sister, Aude.

Reconciliation and Impending Threat

Girart is subsequently reconciled with Emperor Charlemagne, seemingly resolving the internal strife. However, before the marriage of Roland and Aude can be solemnized, a messenger arrives bearing urgent news: the imminent invasion of Gascony by Saracen forces. This external threat shifts the focus from internal disputes to the defense of the realm, setting the stage for further epic confrontations.

Literary Cycles: Structuring the Epics

The Threefold Division of Carolingian Verse

Girart de Vienne holds particular significance for its role in conceptualizing the organization of the vast body of Carolingian epic poetry, often referred to as the "Matter of France." The poem itself articulates a tripartite division of these chansons de geste, based on central figures or ancestral lineages. This classification, as presented within the text, is:

At Saint-Denis, in the great abbey, we find it written (I don't doubt) in a book of noble lineage that there have been only three gestes in well-defended France (I think no-one will argue with me now).

The lordliest is that of the kings of France.

The next, it is right to say, was of Doon of the white beard, he of Mainz who had many lands. In his lineage were fierce and rugged people; they would have had the lordship of all of France, its power, its knighthood, but they were proud and jealous. Of that lineage, so full of treachery, was Ganelon who by his treason caused great sorrow in well-defended France when he committed in Spain the great felony that caused the death in pagan land of the Twelve Peers of France. You have heard tell in many a song that from the geste that came from Ganelon many a great knight was descended, fierce and bold and of very great fame. They would have been lords of the whole realm of France, but there was pride and treason in them. Through pride (we tell you truly) many a high-placed man has been thrown to earth, as were the angels in heaven (we know it in truth) who, for their crime, were thrown into the prison of hell where they will feel nothing but eternal pain. They lost the holy mansion of heaven by their pride and folly. Just so were Ganelon's kin, who would have been so powerful and famous if they had not been so full of treason. Of this lineage, which did nothing but evil, was the second geste.

The third geste, which was much to be praised, was that of Garin de Monglane of the fierce countenance. In his lineage I can well testify that there was not a single coward or good-for-nothing or traitor or vile flatterer; rather they were wise and bold knights and good fighters and noble warriors. Not once did they wish to betray a king of France; they strove to help their true lord and to advance his honour everywhere. They promoted Christendom and destroyed and confounded Saracens. This Garin of the fierce countenance had four sons; never were there bolder knights, I think, so that in a whole day one could not describe their prowess. The first son (I will not lie to you) was the fierce Hernaut of Beaulande. The second, as I have heard tell, was the praiseworthy Milon of Apulia. The third was Renier of Geneva, and the fourth was lord Girart the warrior.

— (Girart de Vienne lines 8–67; translation after J. J. Duggan)

Defining the Cycles

The three cycles, as described within the poem, are:

The "Geste du roi": Centered on Emperor Charlemagne and his immediate circle of loyal knights.
The "Geste de Doon de Mayence": Focuses on figures who rebelled against royal authority, notably Renaud de Montauban and Girart de Roussillon. This cycle often highlights themes of defiance and the complexities of feudal loyalty.
The "Geste de Garin de Monglane": Features knights, often younger sons without inheritance, who sought glory and land through combat against Saracens. William of Orange is a prominent figure in this cycle, and Girart de Vienne itself, with its focus on the sons of Garin, is a key text within this grouping.

Scholarly Editions and Translations

Accessing the Text

The study and appreciation of Girart de Vienne are facilitated by scholarly editions and translations that make this medieval epic accessible to contemporary readers and researchers. Key scholarly works include:

Original French Edition: Girart de Vienne, edited by Wolfgang van Emden (Published by the Société des Anciens Textes Français, Paris, 1977). This edition provides critical access to the Old French text.
English Translation: The Song of Girart of Vienne by Bertrand de Bar-Sur-Aube: A Twelfth-Century Chanson de Geste, translated by Michael A. Newth (Published by the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Tempe, 1999). This translation offers the narrative in modern English, preserving the epic spirit.

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Saga of the Sons: Girart de Vienne Unveiled

Introduction to Girart de Vienne 📖

📜 A Landmark Chanson de Geste

✍️ Structure and Form

👑 Context: The Carolingian Epics

The Narrative Arc: Plot Summary ➡️

⚔️ The Sons of Garin and Imperial Conflict

🤝 A Fateful Duel and Enduring Friendship

🛡️ Reconciliation and Impending Threat

Literary Cycles: Structuring the Epics 📚

🏛️ The Threefold Division of Carolingian Verse

🗺️ Defining the Cycles

Scholarly Editions and Translations 🎓

📖 Accessing the Text

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Introduction to Girart de Vienne

A Landmark Chanson de Geste

Structure and Form

Context: The Carolingian Epics

The Narrative Arc: Plot Summary

The Sons of Garin and Imperial Conflict

A Fateful Duel and Enduring Friendship

Reconciliation and Impending Threat

Literary Cycles: Structuring the Epics

The Threefold Division of Carolingian Verse

Defining the Cycles

Scholarly Editions and Translations

Accessing the Text

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice