Raoul de Cambrai, la geste d’une vendetta sans fin « molt bien m’en vengerai »

Abstract

Raoul de Cambrai is a bloody 12th century chanson de geste in which the motive of revenge is the main driving force behind the action. In trying to repair the wrong that King Louis has done him by granting his lands to another knight, Raoul finds himself at the origin of an endless conflict which opposes him to Bernier, his vassal. The two former friends have an implacable hatred for each other that will bring about their end for both of them. Members of Raoul’s lineage confront those of Bernier’s lineage. The protagonists of the song seem condemned to evolve in a cycle of violence caused by their constant desire for revenge. Would revenge be a way to revive the action by provoking battles ? Does revenge maintain the epic character of the chanson de geste ? Clashes over several generations do not solve the initial problem. Howhever there is a way to put an end to all these revenge ventures. It seems that religion could offer a way out for the various protagonists engaged in acts of revenge. Indeed they can, like Christ, forgive the opposite party and start afresh on new bases.