Mai und Beaflor (1270/80)
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Miscellaneous Romances
Mai und Beaflor (1270/80)
Pfeiffer, F. (ed.): Mai und Beaflor. Eine Erzählung aus dem 13. Jh. (Dichtung d.dt.MAs 7). Leipzig 1848, Reprint 1974.
MaBe-1:
Prologue: laudatio temporis acti (today, young people do not strive for higher honor and follow the example of old and wise people). The work is written in God’s honor on the request of a knight who read about it in a prose chronicle and dictated it to the author.
Motif References:
MaBe-3:
It is a custom in the Roman empire that all nobles (princes) have to live in Rome, where also the emperor’s throne is. At court, there are many strange and foreign customs and languages (Greek, Latin, heathen). Entertainments: music (harps and fiddles, flutes, tambourines, trombones, singing); wrestling, dancing, jumping, running, defending oneself with the shield, throwing the spear, courtship.
Motif References:
P 13 Customs connected with kings
MaBe-4:
A new king, Teljon, takes over the reign; he is a good and just king. His wife, queen Sabie (Sâbîe), is a remarkably beautiful woman.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
MaBe-5:
Their child and heir (a remarkably beautiful girl) is born. Teljon decides to have her baptized and so to renounce heathendom.
Motif References:
V 331 Conversion to Christianity
F 575.3 Remarkably beautiful child
MaBe-6:
The following day, baptism takes place in the Minster. The pope comes to meet the guests and blesses them; he baptizes the child Bêaflôr, sings mass.
Motif References:
V 81.4 Baptism of infants
P 121 (Bm) Pope
V 294 The Pope
MaBe-8:
The knights mount their horses and hold mounted games (buhurt); many are injured. The king invites them to a feast at court. The poor are fed. Carpets are spread. Seats are covered with quilts; cushions and beds are made of precious fabrics (samît, zendâl). Seating plan due to rank; each prince eats with his lady. Afterwards, courtly amusements take place (mounted games; musicians). Guests leave.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
MaBe-9:
Bêaflôr becomes a remarkably beautiful and virtuous young lady. Many fall in love with her.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
MaBe-10:
Her father rejects all her suitors, as he does not want to lose her. When he presents her at courtly feasts, many men fall in love with her, but they are struck dumb when they try to talk to her.
Motif References:
T 24 The symptoms of love
T 50.2 King likes his daughter so much that he does not wish to marry her to anyone
MaBe-13:
When Bêaflôr has reached her tenth year, her mother dies. Bêaflôr resembles her closely. The queen is buried and mourned by everyone: people cry, Teljon laments her, Bêaflôr can not stop crying until her father tells her to.
Motif References:
P 27 Grief at queen’s death
MaBe-15:
The king has council with his nobles about Bêaflôr’s education, as it is not appropriate that he cares for her. Nobles advise to entrust prince Rôbôâl, one of the senators, whom they have chosen by lot, and his wife Bênignâ, both very virtuous, with the girl’s education. Rôbôâl agrees, Bênignâ greets Beâflôr with a kiss and promises to care for the girl like for her own daughter. The king and his knights accompany them to her new home.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 271 Foster father
P 272 Foster mother
MaBe-18:
Bênignâ admonishes Bêaflôr to keep emotional control, as she still grieves much for her mother.
Motif References:
MaBe-19:
The king often comes to visit his daughter during her praying hours. The devil is jealous of the girl’s devotion. He tries to tempt her.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
MaBe-21:
As the devil does not succeed in tempting Bêaflôr, he makes her father fall in love with her: One day, when Teljon comes to visit her, he closes the door, kisses her voluptuously and tells her that he wants to lie with her. She agrees to this at first, as she does not realize what he means. When he talks about love and marriage, she laughs at him and refuses.
Motif References:
T 411.1 (Lecherous) [Unnatural] father [wants to marry his daughter]
MaBe-24:
The king gets furious and tears off Bêaflôr’s cloak. He attempts to rape her; they wrestle. Bêaflôr prays to God for help. She pretends to give in to his demand, laughs and kisses him. Finally she invents a ruse to escape: she promises to give in to him in two weeks’ time and points out that it is better to keep their relationship as a secret. He demands an oath as guarantee and lets her go.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
M 268 Marriage promised to save life
T 471 Rape
J 670 Forethought in defences against others
J 1111 Clever girl
MaBe-28:
Bêaflôr grieves and laments: she prays, tears out her hair; she falls down with arms extended so as to form a cross. Rôbôâl and Bênignâ think that she prays devoutly. Bêaflôr also refuses to eat. After three days, she is ill. She finally reveals her secret to her foster parents. She says she would prefer death to bringing danger to them.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.3 Refusal to eat [drink, sleep] from excessive grief
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
MaBe-33:
Bêaflôr thinks of a plan for escape: she asks Rôbôâl to have a ship built for her. The shipbuilder swears to keep this secret and has the ship ready after a very short time. Bêaflôr begs her foster father for food provisions for two months and straw to lay her head on.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
MaBe-37:
Bênignâ wants to give Bêaflôr a treasure which she once got from queen Sâbie, as it makes a better impression to come to foreign countries well-dressed and with presents. Bêaflôr at first refuses, as she wants to leave in poverty, but as also Rôbôâl insists – traveling in poverty would make people think that she has been chased away from her home country – she accepts and takes precious garments, a treasure and food supplies (fish, chicken, game, water, wine, claret) with her.
Motif References:
J 755 All aspects of a plan must be foreseen
MaBe-40:
Bêaflôr dresses in garments set with jewels (sapphire, emerald, ruby), made of ultramarine blue samît (come from Persia). Skirt, surcoat and cloak decorated with jewels; braids from Arabia; gold fittings with jewels; eherlîn of gold from Koukesas; the cloak is braided with ermine and sable furs (which once belonged to the king of Russia). A gold chain holds together the cloak; tassel are of gleaming rubies set in gold eagles; girdle of lace and gold from Koukesas (worth 1000 marks). Her clasp is of gold and jewels. She wears a crown.
Motif References:
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
F 827 Extraordinary ornaments
F 829.3 Extraordinary belt
MaBe-42:
Bêaflôr takes leave from her foster parents under tears; they kiss and embrace, cry and lament. The shipbuilder also cries. Bênignâ wants to die.
Motif References:
P 271.5 Foster father as constant helper
P 272.2 Foster mother as helper
N 820 Human helpers
MaBe-43:
Bêaflôr mounts her ship. Her luminous jewels would lighten its interior even if it did not have a window. She floats across the river Tiber into the open sea.
Motif References:
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
R 219.6 (Bm) Escape by sea
R 224 Girl flees to escape incestuous brother [father]
T 311.1 Flight of maiden (bridegroom) to escape marriage
N 781 Hero [heroine] embarks in rudderless boat
F 826 Extraordinary jewels
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel
MaBe-45:
When the boat departs, Rôbôâl attempts to drown himself in the river; he is saved by the shipbuilder. Bênignâ swoons from grief. The shipbuilder admonishes them both to control their emotions. On Rôbôâl’s request, the shipbuilder swears by his life to keep the secret. He is rewarded.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.6.1 Wounding self because of excessive grief
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
M 150 Other vows and oaths
MaBe-46:
When the king comes at the agreed time to redeem his daughter’s promise, he finds Rôbôâl and Bênîgna mourning and lamenting. They tell him that she has been very sad and without appetite since the separation from her father. She supposedly drowned herself. The king reproaches himself, but suggests that his daughter eloped with a man.
Motif References:
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions
MaBe-50:
In the meantime, Bêaflôr has been driven to the shores of Greece. She thanks God. This beautiful and fertile country (moderate climate; wheat, rice, almonds, oil, wine, fruit grow there, there is a chestnut-forest where there is almost no winter; fish and game) is also called Meienlant after its ruler, virtuous count Mai (rules also over the country zu Mûrîe, Andervîle, Klâremunt). The country is well secured. Mai’s preferred castle is Griffûn.
Motif References:
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
N 699 Other lucky accidents
Z 702 (Hi) Eponymous account of place name
MaBe-54:
Bêaflôr’s boat lands near this town. The inhabitants break it open as it is too heavy to be drawn on shore. Bêaflôr fears for her honor but is reassured when realizing that they speak Greek, a language she also knows well. People are astonished at her beauty. She greets them and asks for help.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
MaBe-55:
They send messengers to inform Mai about her arrival. He receives her and vows to protect her honor. He takes her hand and leads her on a meadow.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 320 Hospitality
MaBe-56:
Mai falls in love with Bêaflôr. He is very young (has not yet grown a beard) and the most handsome man in the whole country (this is why he is called Mai). They talk in French.
Motif References:
T 15 Love at first sight
F 575.2 Handsome man
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
MaBe-57:
Mai sends a messenger to his mother to inform her about Bêaflôr’s arrival. The messenger describes Bêaflôr’s beauty and wealth and tells Mai’s mother that her little boat has been washed ashore in Greece, driven by the wind.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
MaBe-59:
Mai’s mother receives Bêaflôr. The girl is welcomed by knights, ladies and pages at [Elîachâ’s] castle. After the meal, a bath is prepared: Mai’s mother discovers that Bêaflôr is still a child, as her breasts are not yet developed. Bêaflôr is wrapped into a sheet and brought to bed.
Motif References:
P 320 Hospitality
MaBe-61:
In the meantime, Mai has council with his nobles; they decide to unload the boat and store the treasure. Kornêljus and Effreide are appointed as guards of the keys to the treasury.
Motif References:
P 110 Royal ministers
MaBe-62:
As Bêaflôr’s beauty would do an emperor credit, the queen wonders why Mai does not woo her. Mai declares his love to her and wants her to love him in return. She asks him about the nature of love, he answers that it wounds men and women likewise. Also Mai is inexperienced, as he once decided only to love a woman sent by God. He wants to lie with her, which she refuses referring to his oath to preserve her honor. So he proposes to her. She agrees; betrothal with a kiss.
Motif References:
T 57 Declaration of love
T 61 Betrothal
MaBe-67:
Mai’s mother, Elîachâ, is against this marriage, as she believes that Bêaflôr has been chased away from her home country in shame. She threatens to tell her brother, the king of Spain, about the disgrace her son does to the family. Mai insists on his decision; she retreats to castle Klâremunt in anger.
Motif References:
P 231 Mother and son
MaBe-69:
Mai sends messengers with letters to invite his vassals to court. Meeting takes place in May on a heath in Andervîle, four miles out of Griffûn. Tents are pitched, marshals arrange quarters in town. Ceremonial entry: young knights as standard-bearers of their lords; pages follow, then 400 knights accompanying 400 ladies (each knight entertains his lady with tales). Lords lead 500 knights in scarlet garments. Music (fiddles and trombones). Young knights hold mounted games. Mai and Bêaflôr receive the guests.
Motif References:
P 632 Customs concerning recognition of rank
MaBe-73:
Mai asks his counselors about his marriage plans. One of them objects, referring to the plans Mai’s uncle has with his nephew. When Mai threatens to leave the country, they finally agree. They admire Bêaflôr’s beauty and accept her as their lady.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
MaBe-76:
Bêaflôr says that she does not deserve such a noble husband; Mai had better marry a lady equal in rank. When Mai refers to their betrothal, she falls at his feet and begs him to dispense her of her promise. The nobles (standing in a circle) are moved, the ladies start crying. Bêaflôr finally reveals that her change of mind has been caused by Elîachâ’s assumption that she had been chased away from her country.
Motif References:
MaBe-80:
The lords fall at her feet to persuade her; she agrees. Reconciliation with a kiss.
Motif References:
MaBe-81:
Mai wants to be knighted before their wedding. Preparations for knighting ceremony: knights and ladies get dressed and proceed to church. Knights have mounted games (many of them are injured: shinbones are cut through). Mai may not participate, as he is not yet knighted; he gives swords to 100 pages who are to be knighted together with him.
Motif References:
MaBe-83:
Knighting ceremony: the bishop sings mass, blesses swords and pages. As soon as they are knighted, they start mounted games. Also beardless Mai proves his valor. Many horses are wounded.
Motif References:
P 53.1 (Bm) Knighthood as prerequisite to marriage
P 54 (Bm) Knighting custom
MaBe-85:
A feast takes place. To each knight, a lady is assigned as company. After the meal, tables are stacked away o make room for dancing. Afterwards, they go to church.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
MaBe-86:
Wedding ceremony in church: people stand in a circle; the bishop joins Mai and Bêaflôr in marriage. Mai submits his lands, goods and people to Bêaflôr in the presence of the nobles.
Motif References:
T 135.9 Wedding ceremony in church
P 548 Miscellaneous legal customs [problems]
MaBe-88:
Wedding feast takes place in a locus amoenus: mounted games, heralds explain coat-of-arms (krojieren: they remove the covers of the shields). Mai nourishes and dresses the poor and gives them money. Nobles have come with their ladies. Food: fish and game.
Motif References:
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
T 136.1 Wedding feast
P 634 Feasts
MaBe-90:
In the evening, Mai leads his wife to the bridal chamber; the bed is strewn with flowers and grass. After prayer, they go to bed.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
T 160 Consummation of marriage
MaBe-93:
The following morning, the court society visits them. After 12 days, the guests take leave; they get gifts, the musicians are richly rewarded. Mai accompanies his guests one mile out of town.
Motif References:
T 137 Customs following wedding
MaBe-96:
Mai rules his country in an exemplary way: he settles feuds, keeps the peace. Bêaflôr soon gets pregnant. They lead a very pious life.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
MaBe-98:
Mai’s uncle, the king of Kastel, sends a messenger with the request for military aid against heathens (king Kôbor of Marsiljis, the bailiff of Baldac and ten other kings) who have challenged the king to battle. Truce will only last for the 20 weeks to come.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 556 Challenge to battle
MaBe-100:
Mai has council of war; his counselors advise him to support his uncle. He asks Bêaflôr as well. She lets him have his way as she does not want him to give the impression that he yields to idleness.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
MaBe-102:
Mai sends a messenger with letters to summon his army. Army-meeting and army-review take place on a green field. Mai then sends the messenger to his uncle with the guarantee of 500 knights and 200 archers.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 551 Army
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
MaBe-104:
Mai again summons his counselors and entrusts his land to them. He entrusts Bêaflôr to the counts Kornêljus and Effreide. He and Bêaflôr take leave from each other.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
MaBe-106:
Bêaflôr prays for his welfare and swoons from grief. One of the counts admonishes her to control her emotions.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
MaBe-108:
Mai arrives in Kastel; his army erects a camp. In the meantime, his messenger announces his arrival (500 knights, 200 archers) to his uncle.
Motif References:
MaBe-109:
The king sends messengers with precious gifts (tent, horses, and food provisions) to Mai, his sister’s son. Together, they proceed to town.
Motif References:
P 253.0.1 Sister’s son
P 293 Uncle
MaBe-111:
Ten heathen armies oppose five Spanish armies (mercenaries), who fight in Christ’s name.
Motif References:
MaBe-112:
The knights are eager for combat, but nobody may leave the camp without permission. Mai begs his uncle for the permission to act as sentinel and scout. 500 knights are subordinated to him; they will fight or die.
Motif References:
W 212 Eagerness for combat
MaBe-113:
Mai’s banner is black and shows a golden cross. They send a scouting party in advance.
Motif References:
V 86 Sign of the Cross
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 550 Military affairs
MaBe-114:
Fight between the two scouting parties. The Christians kill many heathens, the others flee. The Christians take wounded heathens captive. In a new attack, Mai proves his worth in fight; the heathens are again defeated. Many heathens are captured on flight. The heathens return to their camp and recall that they have been defeated by one single man. They get into battle formation and send warriors in advance to provoke the enemy in skirmishes. Also, the Christians prepare for battle; one of the five troops is led by Mai. He encourages his warriors.
Motif References:
R 5 Capture on field of battle
R 220 Flights
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
MaBe-120:
Battle begins: Mai unhorses Kôbor of Marsiljis, then kills many heathens; he fights ferociously.
Motif References:
V 301 (Li) Heathens and Christians
V 350 Conflicts between religions
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
MaBe-123:
Mai puts the heathens to flight. The Christians pursue them and kill or capture many of them. They return to the battlefield and bury the Christian warriors whom they recognize by the cross that is attached to their garments. They make booty in the heathen army camp. With the king’s permission, they ravage and pillage the country, conquer castles and towns.
Motif References:
V 86 Sign of the Cross
H 120 Identification by tokens - miscellaneous
R 220 Flights
P 551 Army
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
MaBe-124:
The nobles and the king of Kastel bow before Mai to ask him to stay as defender against heathens. The king offers him riches and lands as reward, which Mai refuses: he grants help any time he is needed. He takes leave.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
L 225 Hero refuses reward
MaBe-127:
In the meantime, Bêaflôr gives birth to a son, a remarkably beautiful child. Kornêljus and Effreide send a messenger with a letter to Mai to inform him about the birth of his heir; also Bêaflôr has a letter written. The messenger promises to take the quickest way possible.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
M 150 Other vows and oaths
MaBe-130:
On his way, the messenger stops at Klâremunt, as he assumes that Mai’s mother would also be glad about the news. She persuades him to spend the night there, makes him drunk and substitutes the two letters: Kornêljus’s and Effreide’s by one saying that Bêaflôr has given birth to a wolf after having intercourse with two priests; Bêaflôr’s by a confession of guilt.
Motif References:
P 262 Mother-in-law
K 332 Theft by making owner drunk
K 1851 Substituted letter
K 2112 Woman slandered as adulteress (prostitute) [concubine]
K 2115 Animal-birth slander
K 2117 Calumniated wife: substituted letter (falsified message)
K 2218.1 Treacherous mother-in-law (accuses innocent wife)
K 2390 (Bm) Messenger made drunk that letter may be substituted
MaBe-132:
When the messenger wakes up, Elîachâ gives him money and garments. She asks him to visit her on his way back as well; he swears to do so. He leaves with a bad conscience because of his delay and his broken promise to Kornêljus, Effreide, and Bêaflôr.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
M 205 Breaking of bargains and promises
MaBe-133:
Mai hurries to meet the messenger who first tells him about the birth of his son and then hands him the letters. Mai reads them: laments, tears out his hair, falls from his horse, cries, attempts to drown himself – this is prevented by his followers who reproach the messenger with the bad news he brought. He defends himself, says that he only told him about the childbirth. Mai writes a letter to Kornêljus and Effreide to tell them to treat Bêaflôr well until his return (136,2). He tears his clothes and hair and has to be fettered to avoid self-mutilation.
Motif References:
T 210.2 Faithful husband
F 1041.21.6.1 Wounding self because of excessive grief
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-138:
On his way back, the messenger visits Elîachâ. She makes him drunk again and substitutes the letter by a death order assumed to come from Mai: Kornêljus and Effreide are told to quarter Bêaflôr and the child; in case they refuse to carry out this order, he will kill their wives and children and have them hanged.
Motif References:
S 51.1 Cruel mother-in-law plans death of daughter-in-law
K 332 Theft by making owner drunk
K 1851 Substituted letter
K 2117.1 Husband’s letter ordering the calumniated wife to be treated well is altered into an order of execution
K 2390 (Bm) Messenger made drunk that letter may be substituted
MaBe-139:
The messenger is again richly rewarded. He returns to Griffûn and hands the letter over to Kornêljus and Effreide and says that the orders have to be carried out. He is welcomed by Bêaflôr as well, but does not greet her properly; he refuses to tell her about Mai. She retires to her rooms.
Motif References:
MaBe-141:
Bêaflôr prays to Christ for a good outcome.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
MaBe-141:
As the counts Kornêljus and Effreide are not able to read, they ask the chaplain who reads the letter first to himself – he drops it, pales, tears out his hair, laments and cries. He refuses to read it aloud and runs away under desperate tears. In dismay the counts then ask the messenger about the content of the letter, but he says that he does not know – he could only guess from Mai’s reaction that something extraordinarily terrible must have happened.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-143:
Kornêljus and Effreide send for a scribe who reads the letter to them. They are shocked, tear hair and beards, curse Mai, even attempt to kill themselves, which is prevented by their wives who tell them to control themselves. They tell them that they have got orders to kill Bêaflôr and her child; in case they refuse, their families will be wiped out. Also the ladies lament, beat their breasts. They all want to die to save Bêaflôr’s and the child’s lives.
Motif References:
W 34 Loyalty
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-146:
Their laments are overheard by Bêaflôr. On her enquiries, they tell her that they have orders to kill her. She retorts that she deserves death; she does not want them to die for her but only wants the child to survive. The counts suggest that she flee on her little boat. They convince her to take the treasure she arrived with and they took care of with her.
Motif References:
W 47 (Hi) Humility and modesty
J 910 Humility of the great
MaBe-151:
Bêaflôr puts on her precious clothes; she and her child get on board the ship.
Motif References:
R 169.7 Royal minister rescues (abandoned) queen(s)
R 215 Escape from execution
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
MaBe-152:
Kornêljus and Effreide reproach themselves for not traveling with her; they are prevented from drowning themselves by people who say that they will go to hell if they commit suicide.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.6.1 Wounding self because of excessive grief
MaBe-153:
Kornêljus and Effreide make people believe that they executed Mai’s death order, as they had no other choice. People lament and cry. The counts keep their secret to themselves and tell also their wives that they killed the queen and her child; the ladies swoon from grief.
Motif References:
P 27 Grief at queen’s death
W 34 Loyalty
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
K 1864 False tidings of one’s own [of another’s] death in order to be able to leave [to enable him to leave] without notice
MaBe-157:
When innocent Mai returns home, he finds his own people in arms, revolting against him. His messengers find out that people believe him and his uncle, the king of Spain, to be responsible of Bêaflôr’s death. The messengers protest Mai’s innocence – the messenger who transported the letters is the guilty one.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
MaBe-161:
Bishop Hûc tries to intermediate. When the knights learn that Bêaflôr is dead, they lament her so much that blood comes streaming out of their mouths and noses; Mai would kill himself if his hands were unbound. Knights lament, cry, tear out hair. Mai and his followers travel to Griffûn; people throw stones at them. The bishop again protests Mai’s innocence. The knights take off their helmets and welcome their lord. Mai asks to be killed; the bishop admonishes people to control themselves. He removes Mai’s fetters.
Motif References:
P 27 Grief at queen’s death
P 122 (Bm) Archbishop and bishop
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-165:
Kornêljus and Effreide show the falsified letter and attack Mai, who does not defend himself; the bishop again protests Mai’s innocence. Mai reads the letter and states that it has not been written by him. He asks the bishop to read the two letters he assumes to be from Bêaflôr and Kornêljus and Effreide. Kornêljus and Effreide affirm that those letters are not theirs. Those only broke the news of the birth of Mai’s and Bêaflôr’s child. They accuse themselves to be responsible for the substitution and fall at Mai’s feet.
Motif References:
K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit
MaBe-170:
The messenger is captured and threatened with hanging and being broken on the wheel. He affirms his ignorance. They investigate the course of his journey. Mai detects his mother’s, Elîachâ’s, treacherous plan. He forgives the messenger who defends himself: he would not dare to suspect a lady of high honors of treachery.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit
MaBe-171:
They travel to Klâremunt. Elîachâ greets her son who instantly accuses her. She denies everything and brings the original letters only after he threatens her with death. Mai reads the three letters several times.
Motif References:
MaBe-172:
Mai tears off his clothes; wants to take revenge. His followers promise support.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
MaBe-173:
Mai gets weak from grief and anger; he claps his hands so fiercely that blood protrudes from under his fingernails. He stabs his mother with his sword in rage. No one objects, as it is his right to do so. Mai tears his hair and beats himself; wants to die.
Motif References:
S 21 Cruel son
S 115 Murder by stabbing
Q 211.8 Punishment for desire to murder
P 231 Mother and son
Q 411.4 Death as punishment for treachery
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-174:
Elîachâ is laid out and mourned for. Mai sends for the bishop of Andervîle; he and the priests transport the corpse to Klâremunt. But the people mourn more for Mai than for his mother. Elîachâ is buried in the cathedral. The engraving on her epitaph tells how she came to death. Mai repents having killed his mother (even though it was his right to do so) and grieves for Bêaflôr.
Motif References:
V 61 Various ways of disposing of dead
MaBe-175:
Mai prevents that the messenger is hanged; he is banned.
Motif References:
Q 431 Punishment: banishment (exile)
MaBe-178:
Mai prays for Bêaflôr’s salvation.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
MaBe-180:
Mai’s followers prevent him from killing himself with his sword. Mai repents his sin very much. The bishop tells him that he is not able to absolve him from the sin without the pope’s permission, but he imposes as a penance that he must not lay hands on himself and to do everything he, the bishop, asks of him. With Christ’s help, Bêaflôr has in the meantime arrived near Rome; as it happens, Rôbôâl and Bênignâ walk along the shore just at the moment of her arrival and recognize the boat; they fear that Bêaflôr might be dead inside. They summon the shipbuilder who draws the boat on shore and breaks it open. Bêaflôr leaves the boat only after Rôbôâl and Bênignâ guarantee to protect her from her father. They welcome each other under tears.
Motif References:
V 29 Confession - miscellaneous motifs
P 122 (Bm) Archbishop and bishop
Q 535 Negative penances
F 1041.21.6.1 Wounding self because of excessive grief
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
N 699 Other lucky accidents
N 730 Accidental reunion of families
MaBe-184:
At night, Bêaflôr and her child are brought to Rôbôâl’s house where they hide.
Motif References:
P 271.5 Foster father as constant helper
P 272.2 Foster mother as helper
MaBe-185:
Rôbôâl and some of his servants unload Bêaflôr’s boat; the shipbuilder, Thibalt, gets wine, mead, mulberry wine and food. He has to give an oath to take care of the boat and keep the secret.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
MaBe-187:
Rôbôâl asks Bêaflôr about the events; as she has not changed during her absence – except for the child and the hairstyle (she does not wear her hair loose anymore) –, he assumes that Christ is the father of her child. She tells him under tears that the winds had driven her little boat to Greece. There, she married a wealthy and famous man who left on warfare against the heathens. During his absence, the faithful counts Kornêljus and Effreide helped her to flee on the boat from her treacherous mother-in-law.
Motif References:
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
R 169.7 Royal minister rescues (abandoned) queen(s)
N 699 Other lucky accidents
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
K 2218.1 Treacherous mother-in-law (accuses innocent wife)
MaBe-188:
They develop a plan concerning Bêaflôr’s child: the intend to pass him off as Rôbôâl’s and Bênignâ’s son. Rôbôâl informs the king, Bêaflôr’s father, about his wife’s forthcoming delivery. The king embraces him and gives him 100 marks as reward for the good news and promises that the child will never have to endure any sorrow during his lifetime. Rôbôâl then rides through town searching for a godfather; he spreads the news of the childbirth.
Motif References:
P 271.5 Foster father as constant helper
P 272.2 Foster mother as helper
N 820 Human helpers
J 1110 Clever persons
K 1847 Deception by substitution of children
MaBe-190:
The baptism takes place the following day. The pope himself baptizes the boy Schoiflôrîs. The emperor leaves the country Kampanje to him. A feast takes place after the ceremony.
Motif References:
V 81.4 Baptism of infants
P 634 Feasts
MaBe-194:
Rôbôâl, moved by Bêaflôr’s love for Mai (she praises all his virtues), promises always to care for her child. The boy is given to a wet-nurse; he is very beautiful and grows quickly. Education: reading, singing, wrestling, defending oneself with the shield, riding; languages: Greek, Welsch (= “Foreign”, probably a Romanic language), Latin (195,3). He is very handsome.
Motif References:
F 575.3 Remarkably beautiful child
MaBe-196:
Mai mourns during these eight years: his beard grows down to his breast, he does penance, goes barefoot, fasts and wears woolen clothes; goes from church to church in a pilgrim’s way – he behaves like a child, unworthy of his noble rank. His nobles try to dissuade him from this excessive behavior, the bishop admonishes him: suicide is a sin. He imposes a penance: a pilgrimage to Rome (with bag and staff), as only the pope can redeem him from his sin. Mai agrees; the bishop tells him as well to take up his life as a nobleman again, as it is important to show wealth and nobility when going to Rome. Mai kneels and thanks the bishop. He sends messengers to his officials to inform them about his needs for the journey; they come to court with many presents.
Motif References:
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
Q 526 Pilgrimage as penance
V 530 Pilgrimages
P 681 Mourning customs
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-200:
Mai asks his counselors for advice concerning behavior; Kornêljus advises him to take riches with him, so, the pope will grant any request asked for. The bishop tells him to take also Kornêljus and Effreide with him as well as a suite of 50 knights.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
MaBe-202:
Mai takes leave from his followers. He entrusts the country to the same men as before, when he went to Spain. The bishop gives everyone a bag and a staff and blesses them. The ship is loaded with food supplies, silver and gold; court officials are appointed (marshals, chamberlains, stewards, and cupbearer); the bishop blesses them again; they leave.
Motif References:
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
V 85 Religious pilgrimages
MaBe-203:
Storms separate the ships; they humbly take it as a penance for their bad treatment of Bêaflôr. God sends winds that bring together their ships on the Tiber. They erect their tents on a blooming plain. On the third day, they continue their journey to Nerden, then to Morlep. They decide to give a noble, but humble impression when entering Rome. Marshal Îrîac of Litze is sent in advance together with his pages. They are met by Rôbôâl. The marshal introduces himself and asks for the judge, as he has to look for accommodation. Rôbôâl inquires about the identity of Îrîac’s lord. He promises hospitality for Mai and his suite. Then, he rides to welcome his guest.
Motif References:
V 201 God
N 310 Accidental separations
N 817.0.1 God as helper
MaBe-212:
On Rôbôâl’s advice, Lôîs greets his unknown father in the following way: he approaches him quickly with his drawn sword, hits him with its flat side and welcomes him; then turns away from him, his sword still bare in his hand. Mai starts crying when seeing him; he longs for his own child.
Motif References:
P 682 Greeting customs
MaBe-213:
Rôbôâl comes to receive Mai with his entourage. He dismounts from his horse to meet the bishop, Mai gets off his horse, Rôbôâl embraces and kisses him; Mai cries. They mount their horses again (Rôbôâl without using the stirrups).
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
P 682 Greeting customs
MaBe-214:
They proceed into town. The walls of the great hall are decorated with precious fabrics (samît and zendal); guests are accommodated and treated with food and drink. Rôbôâl tells Bêaflôr, who has not laughed once during the eight years because of grief, that he has a message for her which will make her laugh: he announces the arrival of her lost husband. She jumps up, embraces and kisses him. He advises her to behave in a reserved way during the meal. Bêaflôr puts on the dress she wore when she and Mai met first and puts on her crown.
Motif References:
P 320 Hospitality
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
MaBe-218:
Mai is struck by the lady’s resemblance to his assumedly dead wife Bêaflôr; he laments. Bêaflôr welcomes him without revealing her identity. They are seated together; Kornêljus and Effreide are placed opposite them. Rôbôâl observes if they recognize her, but they just discuss the resemblance and cry. Rôbôâl and Bêaflôr urge them to eat; Lôîs serves them. After the meal, Rôbôâl leaves Mai and Bêaflôr to talk. Mai enquires about Bêaflôr’s family (if Rôbôâl is her father, Lôîs her son, Lôîs’s father still alive); as they both cry, Lôîs asks if Mai has done his mother any harm. Rôbôâl laughs and has wine and mulberry wine brought to settle the quarrel. They separate for the night. When Bêaflôr asks Rôbôâl to put an end to the charade, he says that he wants her to laugh first.
Motif References:
H 0 Identity tests: recognition.
H 195 (Bm) Failure to recognize
K 1812.8 Incognito queen (princess)
MaBe-224:
The emperor meets the pope and advocates on Rôbôâl’s request in Mai’s favor. He explains to him that Mai killed his mother, his wife and his child in anger. The pope will make a decision after one day of reflection.
Motif References:
P 121 (Bm) Pope
V 294 The Pope
MaBe-225:
Rôbôâl insists on taking care of his guests by himself. He places them due to their rank. As the guests refuse to eat because of grief, Benîgnâ urges them to eat, as it is inconvenient for a nobleman to mourn for such a long time. Lôîs serves them.
Motif References:
MaBe-228:
Rôbôâl entertains his guests with board games (zabel) and tales. For the evening meal, Mai and Bêaflôr are seated together; she cuts his bread. She still keeps her incognito. Rôbôâl later leaves them to entertain themselves: She is able to read French and knows how to play different board games. They make conversation. Bêaflôr asks Rôbôâl again laughingly to lift her secret; he promises this for the following day (laughs).
Motif References:
MaBe-233:
The following morning, Rôbôâl informs the emperor that Mai is in fact his son-in-law. The emperor wants to kill him, the supposed murderer of his daughter, but Rôbôâl discloses the secret to him. The emperor welcomes Mai as his son-in-law by taking him by the hand. He lifts Bêaflôr’s incognito.
Motif References:
H 194 (Bm) Recognition only through direct revelation of identity
MaBe-234:
Knights hold mounted games to welcome Bêaflôr.
Motif References:
MaBe-235:
Mai and Bêaflôr are finally reunited. Also Bêaflôr and her father reconcile. The pope also welcomes and blesses everyone.
Motif References:
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
N 732 Accidental meeting of father and daughter
N 741.3.1 Calumniated wife is forced to flee
MaBe-236:
The emperor sends for his princes to inform them that his daughter is still alive. He confesses to the pope: he wanted to commit incest with his daughter which caused her to flee. He repents his sin. The emperor wants to resign. Mai objects, falls at his feet and cries. On the emperor’s request, the pope consecrates Mai and Bêaflôr as emperor and empress (with crown and scepter). Pope sings mass; Rôbôâl arranges a feast.
Motif References:
V 29 Confession - miscellaneous motifs
R 224 Girl flees to escape incestuous brother [father]
T 311.1 Flight of maiden (bridegroom) to escape marriage
T 411.1 (Lecherous) [Unnatural] father [wants to marry his daughter]
P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 16.1.4 Father abdicates in favor of son
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 121 (Bm) Pope
V 294 The Pope
MaBe-239:
Outside the church, they are welcomed by knights with mounted games; music. Feast takes place (dancing).
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
MaBe-240:
Mai sends the Greeks, his retainers, home; he concedes Rôbôâl the right of enfeoffment and reigns in a just and peaceful way.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
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