Anonymous, Melusine (Middle English versions)

Olivia Colquitt (University of Liverpool)

Ed. by Sarah Peverley, University of Liverpool
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.02: English Writing and Culture: High and Late Medieval, 1066-1485.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Rory Critten (Université de Lausanne), David Fuller (University of Durham), Natalie Hanna (University of Liverpool), Hugh Magennis (Queen's University Belfast), Jamie McKinstry (University of Durham), Sarah Peverley (University of Liverpool), Sebastian Sobecki (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Dates

First circulation or publication c. 1500

Places

England (Publication/ performance)

Genres and Modes

Poetry (any)

Resources

Though clearly rooted in earlier European folklore, the first known written version of the legend of Melusine was composed in Middle French by Jean d’Arras in 1393. Widely classified as a prose romance, Le Roman de Mélusine’s interest in genealogy, crusading history, and mythical origins also aligns the narrative with the chronicle genre. The plot follows the titular protagonist, Melusine, a snake-tailed fairy, who marries a nobleman, births strange hybrid children, fashions magical buildings, and founds the illustrious House of Lusignan. In 1402, another French author known as Coudrette transformed the romance into Middle French verse and gave it a new title, Le Roman de Parthenay, in honour of his p…

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3631 words

Citation: Colquitt, Olivia. "Melusine (Middle English versions)". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 22 January 2018 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=37165, accessed 19 April 2024.]

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