Marie de France’s “Yonec”: a Translation into Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract

Written in the 12^th century, The Lais of Marie de France are a compilation of twelve tales — the titular “lai” — inspired by oral tradition. Each lai narrates the great adventures of brave knights. Among the stories told, old favorites of the chivalric genre, such as King Arthur, as well as Tristan and Iseult, make an appearance. With a close proximity to what would later become known as “fairy tales” — such is the case of “Yonec”, which we have translated into Brazilian Portuguese for the first time —, the lais can also be read as a significant part of medieval history. In “Yonec”, specifically, we are told the story of Muldumarec, not only a knight, but the king of an enchanted world. Muldumarec falls in love with a beautiful, though unhappy, young woman. She, who remains nameless throughout the story, is married to a very jealous old man who keeps her prisoner in a tower. Hearing her pleas for freedom, Muldumarec pays her a visit, disguised as a falcon, and the two start to see each other daily. The lady’s constant desire for her lover is also responsible for their downfall. The husband eventually catches the lovers and kills Muldumarec. After that, the lady gives birth to an illegitimate son, Yonec, raised however by her husband. When Yonec, also a knight, finds out the truth about his parentage, he murders his stepfather, avenging both his parents’ deaths.