Yvain, The Knight of the Lion by Chrétien de Troyes (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

By Bright Summaries

Unlock the more straightforward side of Yvain, The Knight of the Lion with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

This engaging summary presents an analysis of Yvain, The Knight of the Lion by Chrétien de Troyes, a medieval novel which recounts the adventures of Yvain, a valiant knight from King Arthur’s court. After learning of an incredible fountain with the power to create storms, Yvain sets off on an adventure to see this wonder with his own eyes. This decision leads to many exciting adventures, tense battles, and even an unexpected romance. Yvain, the Knight of the Lion was written in the 12th century and, in many ways, is a revolutionary novel, which swept aside many of the genre’s clichés and introduced a range of new ideas and concepts. This was not the only novel written by Chrétien de Troyes: although little is known about the man himself, he wrote several other stories, and is known for creating the character of Lancelot. 

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This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection

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• Language: English
• Publisher: BrightSummaries.com
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9782806297068

Book preview

French poet

Born around 1135.

Died around 1183.

Notable works:

Erec and Enide (around 1170), novel

Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart (around 1177-1181), novel

Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail (written between 1181 and 1190), novel

Chrétien de Troyes was born in the 12th century. Over time, he has become one of the major figures of medieval literature. A clerk by training, he served at the court of his patroness Marie of France (around 1174-1204) before joining the Count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace (1143-1191).

He is known primarily for his talents as a novelist: he wrote Erec and Enide around 1170, Cligès around 1176, Yvain, The Knight of the Lion around 1177, Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart around 1177-1181 and Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail between 1181 and 1190, although the story was left unfinished. The fact that these works were set in the universe of King Arthur’s knights contributed to their incredible success and played a part in the popularisation of a genre which was previously relatively unknown. He also adapted the myths of Ovid (Latin poet, 43 BC-AD 17/18) and composed two courtly songs.

One of the first books of French literature

Genre: novel

Reference edition: Chrétien de Troyes (1914) Yvain, The Knight of the Lion. Trans. Comfort, W.W. London: