Erec and Enide

Chrétien De Troyes

Erec and Enide

Chrétien De Troyes
43 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel/Book in Verse
Adult
Published in 1170

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Erec is a noble and highly skilled knight of King Arthur's Round Table and the son of King Lac. He strictly adheres to the chivalric code, dedicating himself to honorable behavior and righting wrongs. While his martial prowess allows him to defeat formidable opponents, his intense romantic devotion sometimes conflicts with his duties as a knight, leading to court gossip about his capabilities.

Key Relationships

Romantic partner of Enide

Son of King Lac

Knight of King Arthur

Companion to Queen Guinevere

Opponent of Count Galoain

Opponent of Count Oringle

Rival of Yder

Son-in-law of The Vavasor

Enide is the daughter of an impoverished vavasor who marries Erec after he champions her in a tournament for a sparrow hawk. She possesses unparalleled beauty and an impeccable, wise character. Her journey focuses on her internal struggles to balance obedience to Erec's strict commands with her deep instinct to protect him from danger.

Key Relationships

Wife of Erec

Daughter of The Vavasor

Target of Count Galoain

Captive of Count Oringle

Protege of Queen Guinevere

Protected by Guivret the Small

King Arthur is the legendary monarch of the Knights of the Round Table. He governs with a strict adherence to moral correctness, refusing to go back on his word even when warned of potential conflict among his men. He functions as an ethical model for his knights and acts as an exceptionally generous host for tournaments and feasts.

Key Relationships

Ruler of Erec

Husband of Queen Guinevere

Counseled by Sir Gawain

Employer of Kay

Ruler of Yder

Admirer of Enide

Supporting Characters

Guivret is the master of a fortified castle who quickly turns from an opponent into a steadfast ally. Despite his small stature, he is a capable fighter who values knightly prowess. He offers his friendship and hospitality to traveling knights who prove their worth in battle.

Key Relationships

Ally of Erec

Protector of Enide

Count Galoain is a local nobleman who hosts Erec and Enide during their travels. He operates on impulse and desire, immediately attempting to claim Enide for himself upon seeing her. His overconfidence in his own abilities leads him to pursue combat without proper armor.

Key Relationships

Pursuer of Enide

Enemy of Erec

Count Oringle of Limors is an opportunistic nobleman who comes across a vulnerable traveler. He attempts to use his wealth and status to force an immediate marriage, entirely disregarding the emotional state and clear refusals of the woman he claims to desire.

Key Relationships

Captor of Enide

Enemy of Erec

Queen Guinevere is King Arthur's wife and a respected figure of authority in the court. She offers pragmatic counsel to her husband, helping him navigate tricky court politics when his knights become overly competitive. She demonstrates generosity by providing Enide with proper court attire for her formal presentation.

Key Relationships

Wife of King Arthur

Friend of Erec

Benefactor to Enide

Judge of Yder

Yder is a skilled knight who travels to a local town annually to claim a prized sparrow hawk for his maiden. He relies on his combat abilities to maintain his status but must eventually face the consequences of allowing his dwarf to violently insult members of King Arthur's court.

Key Relationships

Rival of Erec

Subject to Queen Guinevere

Employer of The Dwarf

King Lac is Erec's father and the ruler of Further Wales. He maintains a wealthy and welcoming court, eagerly celebrating his son's return from knightly adventures and readily providing lands and castles to his new in-laws.

Key Relationships

Father of Erec

Father-in-law of Enide

The vavasor is a poor nobleman living in impoverished conditions while waiting for a suitable match for his beautiful daughter. He prioritizes honor and nobility over immediate wealth, refusing local lords in favor of waiting for a proper match.

Key Relationships

Father of Enide

Host to Erec

Sir Gawain is one of King Arthur's prominent knights. He serves as a voice of caution and strategy within the court, anticipating the potential conflicts that archaic traditions might cause among the competitive knights.

Key Relationships

Subordinate of King Arthur

Colleague of Kay

Pursuer of Erec

Kay is a steward in King Arthur's camp. He acts brashly and aggressively, demanding obedience from strangers without recognizing their true identities, which quickly leads him into physical altercations he cannot win.

Key Relationships

Employee of King Arthur

Opponent of Erec

Cadoc is a knight who falls victim to two cruel giants. After being rescued from a torturous situation, he attempts to pledge his eternal service to his savior but is directed instead to carry news of the deed to King Arthur's court.

Key Relationships

Rescued by Erec

Mabonagrain is a toweringly tall knight who guards a magical orchard. He is bound by a romantic vow to remain in the enclosure, defeating all challengers until someone can best him in combat and sound the horn of the "Joy of the Court."

Key Relationships

Opponent of Erec

The dwarf travels with Yder and acts as his aggressive vanguard. He uses a whip to rudely rebuff anyone who approaches his master, triggering the primary conflict that sends Erec on his initial quest.

Key Relationships

Employee of Yder

Attacker of Erec

Antagonist to Queen Guinevere