Yvain; or, The Knight with the Lion

There's something about Midieval literature and philosophy...On the surface its a story about what makes a knight a knight; honor, bravery, trustworthy. But beneath it all it is what a persons morals means to them. Beautifully written piece.

What is particularly interesting with this translation is the effort to include rhyming. I like the effort to recreate the poetic sounds in this version. The difficulty with this translation is its strength: the poetic sounds. It is the standard hazard when ancient and medieval poetry is presented to a modern English speaking audience which is used to free verse. The medieval romance is more than just a story, and this translation makes that effort. I gave it only three stars - although personally I think four - because I am not sure it would have the appeal of B.Raphael's translation which does not have the rhyme. It is too easy for a modern reader to turn this translation into an pom-pah-pah recital -- which is too bad. If this were performed as originally designed - and not just read - this would have a greater appeal, I think.

Etomological booster.