Fragmentation, Corruption, and Minstrel Narration: The Question of the Middle English Romances

Abstract

Anglo-Norman history begins with a minstrel's song. As the Norman cavalry advanced on the field of Hastings, contemplating, no doubt with some trepidation, the large English force, Duke William's household minstrel, Taillefer, emerged from the ranks and to hearten the troops began to sing of their glorious military heritage. In the words of Wace: Taillefer, qui mult bien chantout, sor un cheval qui tost alout, devant le duc alout chantant de Karlemaigne e de Rollant, e d'Oliver e des vassals