WvGW-1: In his prologue the author stresses his inexperience in poetry and lack of perfection and begs his listeners or readers to look benevolently on his work. Whoever likes a good story and wants to learn should listen to him carefully for he will profit from it. Nobody however will be able to teach him well whose heart is false. He who has composed and rhymed this work is named Wirnt von Grafenberg.

Motif References:

WvGW-145: There was once a king whose name was known far and wide. He was called Arthur, his land was Brittany and his court was at Karidol. It is a joyful place. The knights living there are valorous and often have to risk their lives for fame. That is the custom and the means by which they earn a place at the Round Table. The royal castle stands on a plain by a large forest, in which the king often goes riding and where his knights always can find adventure and there is hunting too between times. A stream flows through the forest and past one side of the large castle which is richly furnished. Its wealth is open to many guests. In the middle of the castle stands the palace of the king, who is prudent, constant and excellent in every way. For his virtues and his munificence he is known even today in all countries. The queen has a circular marble palace which is decorated throughout in red, brown, blue, and yellow, with arbors all around. With her noble ladies and her maidens she has splendor and many pleasures there. The maidens play all sorts of stringed instruments, and the music mingles with the barking of little dogs and the songs of birds.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1561 Tests of valor

WvGW-247: The king has one custom, he never sits down to eat until he has heard of some adventure. One day nothing is reported until after noon and the retinue stands watching and waiting. The queen goes to her quarters and when she looks down the wall she sees a handsome stranger (King Joram) ride up and stop by the moat. He is preciously dressed all in red, has curly, graying hair, rides a red horse and holds a spear in his hand. Courteously he addresses the queen and asks her to grant him a wish. When she grants it he begs her to accept a belt as a gift from him. She should keep it till the next morning and if she would not want to keep it he will reclaim the belt as a warrior in combat. The queen takes the gift but says that the belt will remain his till tomorrow. The stranger rides back to the forest.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
Z 141 Symbolic color: red
M 151 Vow not to eat before hearing of adventure
F 527.1.1 Red knight
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

WvGW-321: The queen is holding the belt which is completely covered with jewels and gold. When she puts it on at once she becomes joyful and wise, no sorrow troubles her, she knows all languages, is a master at every game, and lacks no art or skill. Then the queen sends for Gawein, tells him what has happened and asks him for advice. Noble and wise Gawein advises her to return the belt because this affair could easily harm her reputation. The stranger will find an opponent the next day. Then Gawein goes back to the court and tells the story. All knights are pleased.

Motif References:

D 810 Magic object a gift
D 1057 Magic belt
D 1300 Magic object gives supernatural wisdom
D 1335.4 Magic belt gives strength
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
D 1811 Magic wisdom
D 1815 Magic knowledge of strange tongues [language]
D 1830 Magic strength

WvGW-388: The next morning the stranger arrives fully armed and ready for combat. He rides a red horse, his crest is a crown in which a large ruby is set and which gleams with gold and jewels. His banner is green, his shield displays a golden eagle on an azure field. He bares his head and leans his spear against the wall when he sees the queen and asks her once again to keep his gift. Angrily she says she never intended to and gives him back the belt. He takes it and rides to the field in front of the castle. In a hurry the knights of the Round Table get ready for fighting. The first to go is Keii (Kaiî), but he suffers a shameful defeat for the knight strikes him from his horse down onto the grass. Didones, Segremors, Miljanz are unhorsed quickly as well by the stranger and in a short time the company of the Round Table is defeated. The knight then rides to where he left his squires who disarm him. He directs two squires to watch for a knight leaving the castle to meet him.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-510: In the meantime there is great lamenting at the court and Queen Ginovere is deeply distressed. Then Gawein arms himself, mounts his horse, takes shield and spear, and rides out of the castle gate. The two squires see him and alarm the stranger. The knight puts on his armor, girds on his belt, except for which he would have been defeated. Then the combat begins and both fight splendidly. Finally Gawein is struck down by the power of the belt’s jewels and the stranger gains victory. The knight takes him prisoner, Gawein has to swear an oath of submission and ride off with the stranger. These events cause distress at the court. King Arthur has been out hunting and when he returns he is pained that a single man has put to shame so many good knights. Also they think Gawein has been slain and the king begins to mourn. They do not know what happened for his disgrace occurred where they could not see it.

Motif References:

K 1 Contest won by magic
R 52 (Bm) Benevolent captivity
Z 200 Heroes
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
D 1057 Magic belt
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1335.4 Magic belt gives strength
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
D 1830 Magic strength

WvGW-599: In the meantime the two knights ride away until they enter a wasteland. The stranger takes off his belt when he sees the fearful mountains before him and tells Gawein they have to go on through. He gives him the belt to keep it. The stranger says its power caused Gawein’s defeat and that it will protect him from all danger. Gawein thanks him, girds on the belt and at once feels strength and courage. Then they ride over the mountains into a new country. The land is joyous, with flowers and trees all blooming and birds singing. Gawein sees no people, only flowers and meadows and he is pleased by the sight. On the thirteenth day they reach a broad river, the stranger leads him downstream through a beautiful forest to a road that brings him to his own country.

Motif References:

F 145 Mountains at borders of otherworld
F 159.4 Demon guide to otherworld journey
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom
D 810 Magic object a gift
D 1057 Magic belt
D 1335.4 Magic belt gives strength

WvGW-660: They pass their time with stories until there appears before them a strong and beautiful castle. The city is large and there are deep moats in front of the gate. Around the castle is an orchard enclosed by a hedge. As they ride through the city the strange knight bids Gawein welcome and says that this land is his from the forest to the sea and that he is a mighty king. When they come to the castle the king is royally received and tells his squires to look well after his guest. Gawein is given a bath and then dresses himself in precious clothes. After dinner the king leads his guest to the ladies. Gawein is received by the queen and then by a girl, who is so beautiful that no one living can be compared with her. Gawein falls in love with her at once. In her he finds beauty, youth, good sense, nobility, wisdom, and all other virtues. The girl is well dressed and wears extraordinarily precious clothes and fine ornaments. Her belt is covered with pearls and precious stones and a splendid ruby is placed in the front. This stone’s power takes away her distress when she looks at it. At her throat is a skillful and lifelike carving of Sir Cupid with a golden arrow in his right hand and a flaming brand in his left. It is cut from a small carbuncle and gleams at night. Her headdress is imperial, her hair golden and fine. Her face and her figure are of perfect beauty.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

WvGW-956: The host asks Gawein to redeem his pledge by taking the maiden as his wife. Gawein is overjoyed about this offer and he and the girl exchange vows. The girl is the king’s niece. Gawein rests from his journey until the lady is with child. Gawan tries to be of service to the court. There is much knightly activity and Gawein rides out to hunt as he chooses.

Motif References:

T 111 Marriage of mortal and supernatural being
F 302.3.1 Fairy entices man to fairyland

WvGW-1036: In the king’s hall is a splendid work of art, poured of red gold and fashioned after is wish: a revolving wheel with figures of men cast on it, some sinking, others rising with the wheel. It is the Wheel of Fortune. A priest has formed it all of gold and it guarantees the owner luck.

Motif References:

N 111.3 Fortune’s wheel.
Z 163 (Hi) Wheel symbol of world’s way
D 1561.1 Magic object brings luck.

WvGW-1053: One day, about half a year after his arrival, Gawein is unhappy, for he begins to long for the court of his lord and the Round Table. He asks his wife leave to be gone for three days – he lies so that she would not be distressed. Her heart however tells her that he will be gone for a long time and she tries to make him stay with her until her delivery. Unfortunately Gawein does not know that one can enter the land only with the king and so he calms her fears, assures her of his love and loyalty, and promises to be back soon. Then he departs without anyone knowing. It takes him half a year to cover the distance that before has taken twelve days. At last he arrives at Karidol. When the king who is lamenting his nephew sees the latter’s shield appear with his coat of arms he runs to welcome him and the entire court is happy. Gawein tells them many things but not the true story. He is pleased to find that all is going well at the court. Yet constant Gawein is sad with longing for his wife and does not take part in tournaments as before. Very secretly he rides away to return to his wife. He rides about for a whole year but it is labor lost. No one can enter the country without the belt, which he left with his wife. Gawein is very distressed but as a sensible man he gets along without that which he cannot have and goes back to the king’s castle. It is two years since his wife’s delivery.

Motif References:

F 150.1 Way to otherworld hard to find.
T 294 Husband (wife) of supernatural being longs for old home and visits relatives.
F 374 Longing in fairyland to visit home.
F 379.1 Return from fairyland.
D 1057 Magic belt

WvGW-1220: Gawein’s wife loves the child so much that she takes care of it herself with the aid of many fine ladies. It grows more in a year than another in two and is taught to be wise and kind. The child is well trained, the queen raises it to the age of twelve and then esteemed knights take over. He learns all from them a knight ought to know. He has all virtues and skills a knight should have, is ready to help anyone who wants aid and is munificent. The youth always hears much about his father’s ability and bravery yet nobody knows if he is dead or alive. At last he goes to his mother and to the queen, his godmother, and asks them leave to go on a quest for his father Gawein. His mother, lady Florie, tries to dissuade him but finally has to let him go. Before he leaves she gives him the belt Gawein left with her. His father told her to give it to their son when he becomes a man. The belt will protect him from all danger and he should take good care of it and let no one see it. Then they part and the youth rides off. His mother is very distressed and laments bitterly. She prays to God to watch over him and the people give him their best wishes too.

Motif References:

F 305 Offspring of fairy [dwarf] and mortal
T 615 Supernatural growth
D 815.1 Magic object received from mother.
D 1057 Magic belt
H 1381.2.2.1 Son seeks unknown father

WvGW-1411: As the youth rides aimlessly through distant lands, a page comes running along swinging his staff as pages do. The page tells him that the king of Brittany has sent him to Spain for knights because the king of England has started a campaign against him. They are to come to his castle at Karidol. At the youth’s question the squire tells him more about King Arthur’s court and then shows him the way there. The young man arrives on the ninth day and rides into the courtyard. By a lime tree he sees a broad square stone, which is clearer than a mirror – blue with red and yellow streaks – and has the power that no false man can place his hand on it. The youth rides to the tree, fastens his horse to a branch and sits down in the middle of the stone. He is without guile and free of all evil. But whoever has done an unworthy deed cannot approach within six feet of the stone. Anyone but the faultless king has sat on it. Gawein can only stretch his hand out to it, for he once laid hands on a pretty maiden against her will. This keeps him from the stone.

Motif References:

T 471 Rape
F 807 Rock of extraordinary color.
D 931 Magic rock (stone)
H 1550 Tests of character

WvGW-1518: When they see the youth sitting on the stone a knight hurries to the king. The king says that he will grant any request this boy makes of him and to care for him if he wants to remain with him. The king, the ladies and the knights welcome the boy joyfully. When the king asks him where he is going and who he is the youth tells him that this court is his destination but that he knows little of his father. He is called Wigalois (Gwî von Gâlois, 1574) and was born in a land enclosed by mountains. He would like to become a knight here for no other court has true chivalry. King Arthur grants his request on the spot and entrusts him to his father, Gawein, who takes over the boy’s instruction. Neither of them knows of their relationship. Wigalois serves the king well and is popular with the court. He goes to tournaments with the knights of the Round Table.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 233 Father and son
P 340 Teacher and pupil
N 731 Unexpected meeting of father and son

WvGW-1622: The king is very pleased with Wigalois and arranges a great festival where the boy is knighted. The queen sends him rich chivalric clothing, Gawein gives him a good steed and the king assigns him twelve squires and orders that he be furnished with whatever he wants. The youth is knighted at Pentecost. Wigalois girds on an excellent sword which he received from Gawein and the king hands him shield and lance. Then a tournament begins. When it has ended they all go to the great hall and have all sorts of music. At the request of the courtiers the king grants Wigalois a place at the Round Table. The minstrels are richly rewarded. The festival goes on till fourteen days after Pentecost. When it ends the king gives rich gifts to his guests and they take leave.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
P 634 Feasts

WvGW-1717: At the next solstice while the king is dining a noble and beautiful maiden comes riding to the hall with a dwarf standing behind her on her white horse. The dwarf who goes with her wherever she rides begins to sing a wondrous song. She tells the king that her lady has sent her for aid in a great adventure. When Wigalois hears this he asks the king to grant him his plea. The king agrees and the young knight asks leave to pursue this adventure. The king begs him to give up this journey and promises him wealth but the youth insists and finally receives permission to go. This however so offends the maiden messenger that she rides away angrily for she fears her trouble has gone for nothing because of his youth and lack of experience. She rides toward the forest lamenting loudly.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.6.3.3.1 Dwarf musician (poet)
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1381.8 (Bm) Quest for champion [helper]
H 1552 Tests of generosity.

WvGW-1823: Wigalois hurries to get ready for leaving. The queen sends him a beautiful surcoat. He has a black shield embossed in the middle with a golden wheel and on his helmet turns a golden wheel too. It is his device, for such a wheel turns in the hall of his uncle. Then he takes leave. Gawein who is his good friend goes along with him, he arms the youth. When he is fully equipped they part and Wigalois rides away with the people’s blessings. He rides fast to catch up with the messenger. The dwarf tells the maiden that the knight is riding toward them but she refuses to wait for him. She is so very angry because she thinks famous Gawein would have come with them if Wigalois had not spoken up. When Wigalois rides beside her and asks her permission to travel with her she forbids it but at his begging finally lets him ride with her. The knight shortens the hours for her with stories until evening.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 310 Friendship

WvGW-1928: Then the maiden asks him where they could spend the night and tells him that a valiant man lives nearby who has a strange custom with guests and earns his livings thereby: If a knight wants lodging he must joust with his host and if he overcomes him he will get the best hospitality there. On the other hand if the host unhorses him he loses all he has. She thinks it better to ride on which displeases Wigalois and he insists on undertaking this adventure. From the castle they see him ride fully armed and its lord is in a hurry to be off. As soon as he is fully armed they ride at each other as fast as the horses can go. Wigalois kills the knight, which he did not really intend. There is great wailing at the lord’s death and the girl is not at all pleased at this murder for now they have to ride on before they are attacked. They hurry along and pass the night in a forest where Wigalois and the dwarf make the young lady comfortable.

Motif References:

P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
P 320 Hospitality
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-2039: When they have rested for some time they hear a wild voice scream from a lake in the forest as if in fear of death. Wigalois sets off in the direction of the sound and at last sees two giants sitting by a fire in a clearing fondling a maiden against her will. They seized her in front of Karidol which caused the court great distress. On seeing the girl’s pain Wigalois attacks the first giant and thrusts the spear through his heart. The other tears a branch from a tree, the knight dismounts and they run at each other. Wigalois withdraws into a thicket for protection from the blows and wounds the giant. Finally he overcomes him and the giant has to surrender in order to save his life. The knight makes him swear to take the maiden back to Arthur’s court unharmed and wait for him there. In those times people kept their oaths and whoever broke an oath was offensive to all. They leave the dead giant without burying him. Then they go to the maiden. The giant leaves for Karidol with the lady which makes the court happy. Wigalois follows the messenger who still is eager to leave him behind. The dwarf helps him persuade the maiden to let him ride with her.

Motif References:

R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]
R 111.1.4 Rescue of princess (maiden) from giant (monster)
T 471 Rape
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.4.5.0.1 (Bm) Giant ‘s [wild man ‘s] club.
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvGW-2207: When a beautiful little dog runs up to them the girl is very pleased with it. It is all white except that one ear is yellow and the other red. Wigalois catches the dog and places it on her lap. They are riding toward a dark forest when out of it comes a large stranger dressed all in green on a black horse. His hair is black and each lock is wound with silk and gold threads and he wears a hat of flowers. When he sees his little dog he becomes angry and asks the maiden who gave it to her. Furiously he demands that Wigalois has the dog put down on the road. The young knight refuses. The stranger leaves angrily to return at once in armor. His coat of arms is a swan of ermine with golden beak and feet. They begin fighting. Wigalois kills him and the lord remains lying on the field since no church is there. The young knight fastens the horse to a bush. He does not lead it away nor does he take the dead man’s armor as nowadays most people would do. Those were the good old customs which now are lost.

Motif References:

Z 145 Symbolic color: green.
F 236.1.6 Fairy in green clothes.
F 241.6 Fairy dogs
B 731.6.0.1 Polychromatic dogs
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-2356: They see before them a young lady riding alone, which in those days is normal for a woman, she need not fear harm or blame. She is crying bitterly. The beautiful lady is well dressed and wears a hat decked with peacock feathers. The knight asks his lady for permission to question her and still thinking he lacks in manhood she tells him to do as he likes. Wigalois asks the sad lady about her trouble and she tells him that she lost a knightly prize. The king of Ireland sent for a contest a beautiful horse with a costly saddle and a talking parrot which is kept in a precious cage of gold and jewels. The horse is white with an ear and the mane cinnabar, the other ear black and a black streak along its back to the yellow tail. An old dwarf took care of the animals. The horse was brought there to a group of ladies who had to stand in a circle. Then the knights had to judge the most beautiful of them who was to receive the horse. The lady was chosen as the winner and she was given the precious gifts. Suddenly however a large red knight appeared and took the prize away from her by force to give it to his lady. He is so bold that no one dares to oppose him. She rode away. The parrot cried out when he understood that the red knight was taking him unjustly and scolded him.

Motif References:

B 211.3.4 Speaking parrot
F 527.1.1 Red knight
B 731.0.1 Animals of strange and varied coloring
H 1596 Beauty contest

WvGW-2603: Wigalois offers to get back the prize for her. The lady does not believe that the knight could overcome the red one in combat but finally is persuaded to lead the way. Soon they come to the field where the festival is taking place and Wigalois asks the lady to show him the red knight. She shows him his fine tent and tells him they could stay in the tent of her kinswoman, the daughter of the king of Persia. When they come there a maiden is reading from a book the story of Troy’s destruction and what happened to Aeneas afterwards. The queen has taken good care of the knight whose bravery much surprises her. When he is dressed they ride to find the red knight.

Motif References:

N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvGW-2758: They enter his splendid tent and the parrot greets the lady as his rightful owner. Wigalois asks the knight to give back the horse and at his refusal challenges him. The knight has red hair and a red beard – the author will not believe that such people are false-hearted as often is said of them. Color cannot be important in matters of honesty. The lord is of high nobility and very strong and courageous and he killed many a man. He is the Count Hojir of Mannesvelt. Although a Saxon he is well known even in Spain for he has traveled in foreign lands in search of brave deeds and knightly combat is his business. They agree to fight the next morning after the mass. Hojir thinks his adversary not grown to his full powers and still a child in skill but Wigalois leaves everything up to God.

Motif References:

Z 141 Symbolic color: red
B 211.3.4 Speaking parrot
F 527.1.1 Red knight

WvGW-2930: The news spread quickly in the camp and everyone wishes the young knight luck. The next morning the queen of Persia and her ladies arm him and lead him to where he hears mass. Then he springs on his horse, the queen hands up his shield and the wronged lady gives him his spear. His opponent rides up in a red armor and with red weapons. Death is painted on his shield. A ring is made for them to fight and they begin jousting. The young knight strikes Hojir from his horse so violently that he cannot speak which has never happened to him before. Wigalois dismounts and they continue fighting afoot as soon as the count has regained his senses. Hojir presses him hard and the ladies tear their hair ribbons and lament. The wronged lady cries out to God to give her champion his full strength. Finally Wigalois overcomes the red knight who has to surrender in order to save his life. He has to return the horse and parrot at once. Wigalois makes him promise to journey with his lady to King Arthur and wait for him there. He should tell them that he was sent by The Knight of the Wheel. The count thinks this shameful and he would like to learn his adversary’s name. Wigalois tells him his name for he thinks the count worthy of any honor. The count departs for Brittany. Before he leaves many knights there swear friendship with him. Then they all depart. When the queen of Persia begs him to travel along with her he refuses – he has to continue on his quest.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
F 527.1.1 Red knight
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-3187: The lady rides forth with Wigalois, the girl and the two dwarfs until they come to the place where they have met first. She begs the knight to come with her to her country so that she can reward him. Wigalois refuses for he must undertake the adventure at Korntin as soon as he can. When she sees that all her entreaties are wasted she weeps and laments as before. She leaves him the beauty-prize to give it to his lady. The knight objects but she drives the horse away from her with blows and rides away. Wigalois gives all to the girl, who is very pleased with the gifts. But she still cannot believe that he will be able to survive the adventure. She permits that he is riding with her without anger because she has gained wealth through this journey.

Motif References:

Q 114 Gifts as reward

WvGW-3286: They ride on. One of the dwarfs tells a story about his master who sent him there and about Ireland. They see before them a beautiful tent pitched on a field in a wilderness. It is tall, round and wide – yellow and red on one side, white and blue on the other – and golden stag antlers are fastened to it. Fifty spears are stuck in the ground in two rows around it. The companions want to spend the night there and hurry toward it. Wigalois thinks he might find knightly combat there. When the lord of the tent sees them coming he goes toward them and offers them hospitality. He asks for their destination and Wigalois tells him the story and that he accepted the task of Korntin. The lord is surprised that a knight so young undertakes this adventure – he has lost many friends because of it. He himself has been seeking it for more than ten years. Combat should decide who of them both is to face the adventure at Korntin. When he hears this plan Wigalois is pleased with it but his adversary must share his spears with him. He is also short on horses and squires. The host will lend him his best horse and six of his twelve squires and give him 25 spears. The squires swear to be loyal to him during the fight and the host serves him with plenty of everything he wants.

Motif References:

H 217 Decision made by contest
P 557.4.4 Men’s truth. (fir fer)
F 775 Extraordinary tent
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-3488: The next morning the knights say their prayers and commend themselves to God. Then they get ready for combat. The lord of the tent would gladly give up the combat would his honor permit it for his heart foretells that death is before him. The fighters turn toward each other. It is a fierce combat and they use up all the spears. Finally Wigalois kills the knight who is sorely lamented. Wigalois makes the squires swear on holy relics to go to King Arthur and to wait for him there. They take their lord’s horses and goods with them. Wigalois has them take the dead man to a church, remember his soul with alms and masses. He asks them not to blame him for the death of their lord and they do as he says.

Motif References:

H 217 Decision made by contest
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-3607: The squires take leave and Wigalois continues his journey. The girl now accepts his company without shame and she tells him that no knight has ever pleased her more with true manliness. Then she tells him her story. Her lady was driven from the land of Korntin as a child and only one fortress on the border has remained hers. She is the most beautiful woman in the world. Korntin is the hereditary property of her father and his queen. It is held now by a heathen, Roaz of Glois, who is a very strong man. By magic he gave his soul to the devil who gets him everything he wants. He got Korntin this way. Roaz inherited from his father a rich earldom beyond Korntin. He became a friend of the king of Korntin and served him daily as if he were his vassal. The royal castle was open to him and his goods at his disposal. The king protected and helped him in every way. The faithless man however repaid the king’s kindness by scheming on his downfall. One morning when the castle gate was opened the traitor waited there with four hundred armed knights. He seized the gate and hurried to the hall where the knights were sleeping. He and his men attacked them and killed the entire retinue and the king of Korntin who was a man of many virtues. He was a pious man and richly provided gifts and aid to poor people every day.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
M 211.9 Person sells soul to devil in return for granting of wishes
K 959.2 Murder in one’s sleep
K 2010 Hypocrite pretends friendship but attacks

WvGW-3751: Fortunately the queen and her daughter had gone to her castle at Roi-munt. The young princess was only three years old at the time of the murder. Now she is grown up, and very beautiful, virtuous and prudent. Her mother cares for her. Many a man has lost his life at Korntin for her sake for they will not give the princess in marriage without Korntin. Who wins this land will get the maiden and the kingdom. The girl praises her young lady’s faultlessness in every respect to Wigalois to incite him to risk his life which is needless for he is so brave that he is ready to give help to all who seek it from him and are worthy of it.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
R 310 Refuges
H 335.1 Suitor task: avenging bride’s father’s death before marriage.
N 659 Life saved by accident - miscellaneous

WvGW-3840: When Wigalois wants to know more about the adventure the girl tells him that every day a beautiful beast comes to the castle. On its head it wears a golden crown around which two black horns have grown so that there is no way to remove the crown. From the head down it is like a leopard and from its mouth comes great heat. It has guided many knights to their death at Korntin. Wigalois would have to follow the beast through the forest on a path no one else knows.

Motif References:

B 14 Other hybrid animals
E 423 Revenant in animal form.
B 742 Animal breathes fire
N 819.2 Transformed person as helper.
H 1233.4 Supernatural creature as helper on quest.

WvGW-3885: The companions see before them the fortress of Roimunt and an armed knight riding from it. He is riding a white horse, wears a white hauberk and a green surcoat with figure of a roebuck. His helmet has a crest of red ladles and a golden plate bound with a strip of white ermine which is to show that he is the steward. On his spear he has a piece of green silk and on his shield appears the figure of the beast which is their device at Roimunt. Wigalois asks the girl about him and she advises him to let him ride on for he is a most brave and virtuous man and loves combat. Wigalois will not avoid him and so they have a joust. Then the steward welcomes him and offers him service. When he sees the girl he greets her as well. They ride toward Roimunt.

Motif References:

P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-3973: When they come to the castle, knights and servants receive them joyfully and are happy that the girl has brought a champion from Arthur’s court to free the land of Korntin for them. Wigalois is commended to the steward and the girl goes to bring the good news to her lady. She tells them the story of her journey and lets her lady see the prizes Wigalois has won for her. They thank Arthur who sent him there. She praises the knight in many ways. Then the beautiful Larie, her mother and the girl Nereja take counsel how to receive the knight so as to win his good will. Larie bids her ladies dress in splendid clothing. In the meantime the steward leads Wigalois into a garden where he takes off his armor and has a rest. When he has dressed in rich clothing Larie has sent to him by Nereja they go to the hall to meet the queen. There are plenty of most beautiful women, dressed in all sorts of elegant clothing. The knight is very impressed for they all are most delightful. When he sees among them the Lady Larie who surpasses all others he falls in love with her at once. Lady Love seizes the knight and draws him into her power without resistance.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

WvGW-4172: The queen and her daughter receive him in a friendly way and then all the other ladies follow. The queen bids him be seated and tells him of her troubles. The knight says that he is ready to go to his death for her if thereby he may win land and maiden. The queen replies that she has decreed it in agreement with knights and kin if he defeats the heathen. Wigalois wants to ride off at once but they make him stay overnight. Larie too shows him with her glances that he is dear to her. Good women look through men’s eyes into their hearts for whatever falseness the heart conceals, the eye will always reveal with a glance. After the meal the company sits talking for a while and then the ladies leave.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 68 Princess offered as prize
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
H 335.1 Suitor task: avenging bride’s father’s death before marriage.

WvGW-4295: On the way to his bed in a splendid hall Wigalois looks down from the wall and sees a fire in the forest. When he asks about it he is told that the fire is burning at Korntin, where king Lar died. There is wailing to be heard from there all night and the fire cannot be put out. But with day the clamor dies away and the castle stands with nothing burnt. This has been going on for ten years. Then the knight asks for the road going there and the steward replies that there is no road but only a lake and a swamp which closes the land. There are only two places to enter which are blocked with stone walls and guards. It can only be entered by following the beast. Wigalois bids them good night and sleeps until morning. In the meantime his horse is well cared for and his armor and weapons are prepared for the journey.

Motif References:

D 6 Enchanted castle (building)
F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
E 547 The dead wail.
D 621.0.1 One shape by day, another by night.
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
D 1131 Magic castle
H 1233.4 Supernatural creature as helper on quest.
D 1271 Magic fire
D 1672 Unquenchable fire

WvGW-4370: In the morning Wigalois hears mass and prays to God for victory. After the service the knight kneels down before the priest, an old man dressed in costly garments, who then gives him the highest blessing consecrating him to death with words and reliquary. The priest binds a writ to his sword protecting against all magic. Then the knight has breakfast and takes leave. They all pray to God to give him health and victory. He then takes his horse, weapons and armor. Larie sends him a gift, a bag with a loaf of bread in it which would still his hunger as soon as it touches his lips and give him strength and courage. After eating a little from it he could spend seven nights in a forest without food. When a messenger tells him that the beast has come to the castle and is going towards the forest Wigalois hurries off to overtake it. Following the beast he leaves the road onto a narrow path until he catches up with the beautiful beast which welcomes him like a dog in a most friendly manner. Then the knight follows the beast along the path.

Motif References:

V 151 Sacred writings.
D 825 Magic object received from maiden.
D 1031.1 Magic bread.
H 1233.4 Supernatural creature as helper on quest.
D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes)
D 1335.1 Magic strength-giving food
D 1349.1.6 Tiny amount of food magically satisfies.
D 1578 Magic object keeps off enchantment.

WvGW-4510: At the edge of the forest by a rocky cliff they come upon a castle gate with deep moats in front of it and a bridge and a drawbridge resting on pillars attached to the gate. When the beast approaches, the gatekeeper lowers the drawbridge and retreats to avoid the beast’s fiery breath which burns everything. The knight follows the beast into the land of Korntin which is a smooth and well cultivated land with vineyards. Then they see before them a tournament taking place between two roads. One hundred and three knights are engaged in this contest and only cries of pain and sorrow are heard. Wigalois suspects that these are not ordinary people. Their coats of arms are all alike, red fire painted on a black field. With his battle cry “Chevalier!” he joust for his lady love Larie. When his spear touches the strange knights, shaft and iron burns and his horse carries him away quickly to escape the heat coming from them. Wigalois, well aware that God gave them this life as a punishment, unhappily hurries away from the knights and follows the beast to the castle of Korntin.

Motif References:

F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
F 171.6 Mysterious punishments in otherworld
E 421.3 Luminous [fiery] ghosts
F 574 Luminous [fiery] person
B 742 Animal breathes fire
H 1233.4 Supernatural creature as helper on quest.
D 1271 Magic fire

WvGW-4592: Korntin is a very beautiful castle, its walls are built of costly marble glistening like glass. Inside is a palace whose walls are made of pure and clear crystal and are arched over without a roof. The castle is well built with ornaments. In front of the gate up on a broad rock there is a grassy meadow with a tree shading it. A sweet odor comes from its blossoms which gives strength and happiness. The beast goes towards this meadow: it comes there at the same time every day. When it springs up the rock it takes on the form of a man. He has braids like a woman and his clothing and skin are shining brightly. On his head he has the crown the beast has worn. Wigalois wants to go to the man but the meadow is so enclosed that he cannot approach him. He asks him if he is human and believes in Christ and how is his state.

Motif References:

G 303.16 How the devil’s power may be escaped or avoided
E 421.3 Luminous [fiery] ghosts
E 423 Revenant in animal form.
F 574 Luminous [fiery] person
D 620 Periodic transformation.
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 771.1.6 Crystal castle.
F 811.17 Tree with extraordinary buds.
F 818 Extraordinary garden
D 961 Magic garden
D 975 Magic flower
D 1980 Magic invisibility

WvGW-4658: The man says that he believes in Christ and has deserved His anger. Every day at this time he leaves purgatory to rest there. God gave him this paradise and the crown to reward him for his charity. He was lord of this country and asked the poor to come to this place where he gave food to them. Then he tells Wigalois that a dragon has laid waste to the countryside except for the swamp. From its throat comes a stench which could destroy an army. But now God has sent the knight to free them which will earn him his daughter Larie and the land of Korntin. The knights he saw by the road are always in the fires of hell. They were slain with him by the traitor whose name is Roaz of Glois. Many warriors have already died at his hand. Yet Roaz never dared face the dragon though it often has harmed his people.

Motif References:

B 11.2.11.2 Breath of Dragon kills man [venomous fiery and fetid breath of dragon]
B 11.9 Dragon as power of evil
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
B 16.5.1 Giant devastating serpent
Q 171.1 Forgiveness of sin for acts of charity.
E 334 Non-malevolent ghost haunts scene of former misfortune, crime or tragedy.
E 413 Murdered person cannot rest in grave.
E 755.3 Souls in purgatory.
H 1174.2 Task: overcoming dragon

WvGW-4736: The knight asks the man how to protect himself from the dragon’s breath and the man gives him a blossom from the tree which will work against the evil stench by its sweet odor. He tells Wigalois to ride to the castle gate where he will find a lance sticking in the stone wall. It has been brought by an angel and pierces everything. It was taken from Inner India where there is a kind of steel red from the gold in it and so hard that it cuts stone. Wigalois has to take the lance and ride out on the heath where the dragon feeds in the evening. The dragon is very swift so that it easily overtakes wild beasts and it can only be wounded by this lance. The fight Wigalois would have to face there will be a very hard one.

Motif References:

B 11.5.4 Dragon’s miraculous speed.
Z 312 Unique deadly weapon
F 811.17 Tree with extraordinary buds.
D 812.10 Magic object received from angel
N 819.2 Transformed person as helper.
D 975 Magic flower
D 1086 Magic lance
H 1233.4 Supernatural creature as helper on quest.
D 1380.2 Tree (plant) protects
D 1840.2 Magic invulnerability of animals.

WvGW-4782: Wigalois says that he is pleased to undertake this adventure in order to win the maiden. The beautiful man replies that it is fitting that he is such a warrior for his father is Gawein, one of the best knights ever. When Wigalois says that he never has seen his father the man tells him that he has met him at Karidol. Wigalois who did not know that this Gawein is his father is very happy about this news. Then the spirit has to leave to go into the castle and burn until the next morning. Then he will have eternal bliss after ten years of penance. He begs the knight to remember in his prayers the poor company for they are unredeemed. Wigalois is their hope. The company rides up to the grassy plot, they take their spears on their shoulders and pass through the gate. Wigalois seizes the lance. The spirit transform into the form of the beast like before and goes into the castle setting fire to it from its fiery breath.

Motif References:

E 413 Murdered person cannot rest in grave.
E 421.3 Luminous [fiery] ghosts
E 423 Revenant in animal form.
E 451.2 Ghost laid when penance is done.
F 574 Luminous [fiery] person
E 755.3 Souls in purgatory.

WvGW-4863: Wigalois rides off to the heath. At a lake he comes upon a woman in great distress. She is wringing her hands and tearing her hair and clothing. She has beaten herself so that her breast is black from the blood that has run down. The knight asks her why she is acting like this and that he will help her. The lady does not stop lamenting and disfiguring herself. Wigalois dismounts, seizes her hands and makes her tell him what has happened: The dragon Pfetan has carried off her husband and three other men and their horses. She was spared for she was not riding with them when the dragon came to the field. Wigalois asks her where the dragon did go and then follows the monster which is not going fast for it fears nothing.

Motif References:

R 10.6 (Bm) Knight abducted
B 11.6.8 Dragon flies to its nest with human being
R 13 Abduction by animal [dragon].
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief

WvGW-4988: Wigalois is very worried but then takes the bread and the blossom which is to protect him against the stench. He eats some of the bread his lady gave to him and it makes him strong. The knight pursues the dragon through the forest and when he sees the monster before him he admits that no one has ever seen such a horrible creature. The dragon has an enormous black and shaggy head, a large bare beak, which is pointed in front and very sharp. It has teeth like the tusks of a boar. Broad, horny scales cover it and a sharp spine like that with which a crocodile cuts ships in two goes from head to tail. With its long tail the dragon holds four handsome knights barely alive. The dragon has a comb like a rooster, a green belly, red eyes, yellow sides, a body round as a candle with a pale yellow spine. Its ears are like those of a mule. The dragon’s breath is foul, it has griffin-like feet, which are ugly and hairy. It has two beautiful wings with feathers like those of a peacock. Its neck is bent down low and its throat knotted as a mountain goat’s horn. The dragon has killed many people.

Motif References:

B 11.2.11.2 Breath of Dragon kills man [venomous fiery and fetid breath of dragon]
B 11.2.1 Dragon as compound animal
B 11.2.2.2 (Bm) Dragon of diverse colors.
B 11.2.6 Wings of dragon
G 354.2 Crocodile as ogre
D 975 Magic flower
D 1031.1 Magic bread.
D 1335.1 Magic strength-giving food
D 1380.2 Tree (plant) protects

WvGW-5077: When Wigalois can see the monster clearly he prays to God to help him against this messenger of the devil. Then he takes the lance, approaches the dragon and pierces its heart before it notices him. The dragon roars so that the forest rings and in striking at the knight the dragon breaks the trees. It drops the four knights and rushes at Wigalois whose armor it tears off. The dragon squeezes him so that he loses strength and senses and blood flows from his nose and ears. Then he throws the man down to the shore of the lake. There the knight lies powerless and senseless and almost dead with his sword still in his hand and shield and armor crushed against him. The dragon is dead, the horse is torn to pieces.

Motif References:

B 11.11 Fight with dragon
B 11.11.5 Dragon fight in order to free man.
V 57.3 Prayer on special occasions.
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
H 1174.2 Task: overcoming dragon
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

WvGW-5141: Meanwhile the attendants of the lady have come and with them she hurries to find her husband who is still alive while his companions are dead. The half-dead man tells them that a knight set him and his dead companions free. They are glad because their lord has been rescued and sad because of the dead. The lady orders to place the dead on horses and then the company leaves the forest and rides toward the lord’s castle. There is much weeping and lamenting but the lady is happy that her husband is safe. The three dead men are carried on biers to where the wake is held. The lady takes care for her husband and at her question he tells her that a knight pierced the dragon with a spear but that the creature charged after him. He has no doubt that they are both dead. The lady grieves for the knight and promises rich reward to anyone who finds out whether the knight is still alive. She has a great deal of property, an earldom. Her husband is called Moral and is a noble prince who has three fine castles.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites

WvGW-5280: The castle is close to the lake and six ladies have left their dwelling to look at the lake in the bright moonlight. They see a little boat on the water with only a man and his wife in it. They are very poor and have six children. Their only income comes from this boat and so they have to stay out late. This night God lets them find something to end their want. When the man goes out to cut some grass he finds the knight. His wife says this man’s armor will provide for their children well. They pull off his surcoat and cut the armor from him and the woman steals the costly belt before her husband sees it. They take everything from him and leave him naked. When he moves the evil woman is frightened and says they ought to kill him for it may cause them trouble if he lives. Yet the man refuses and keeps his wife from drowning the knight. The author says that an evil woman is worse than any man but that good women are free of all wickedness and should be praised.

Motif References:

S 131 Murder by drowning
P 411 Peasant
D 861 Magic object stolen.
K 958.1 (Bm) Treacherous attempt to murder by drowning.
K 2258 Treacherous peasant [woman].

WvGW-5413: The ladies from the castle have seen the glitter of the knight’s armor and helmet in the moonlight and one of them approaches to learn what is done. She sees the peasant woman strip the knight naked. Then the evil woman notices that he has a beautiful body and looks at him carefully. He has blond and curly hair and white skin. His beauty has so softened her heart that she tries to bring him back to life whom she at first wanted to kill. She weeps as she has to leave him to depart with her husband. They carry the armor into their dwelling. The lady from the castle peers into the hut and sees that they have got helmet, shield and armor which are very precious. When a dogs starts barking the lady flees back to her companions and they go back to the castle.

Motif References:

R 170 Rescue - miscellaneous motifs
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvGW-5529: Their mistress still is very sad because of the knight. She orders that in the morning they should go with their crosses into the forest to praise God who has rescued them from the dragon. Then they will search for the lost knight. The lady says he was very handsome, rode a fine horse and had a white hauberk and a precious helmet with a wheel on it. On his black shield there was a golden wheel as well. Then she once again promises rich reward to the person who brings back at least the body to her. She thinks he might have been a knight of the Round Table who are the best knights. As a child she saw one of them, Sir Gawein, at a tournament at her father’s castle. He had a golden Round Table on his shield with a white stag on a golden mountain painted on it. Only great labor and courage wins a knight a place at the Round Table so that he can wear it as coat of arms. She noticed the same device on the rescuer’s shield. The girl who has watched the peasant woman at the lake tells her mistress that she has seen the knight’s helmet, shield and armor and they go to the poor man’s hut.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Q 111 Riches as reward
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 150 Other symbols
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield

WvGW-5687: They find the poor man sitting by his fire pondering how he could sell his booty without anyone suspecting him and the lady makes him open his door. The peasants are very frightened. The lady promises to make him rich and always be grateful to him if he lets her see the shield and armor. When she has seen it she asks the peasant to tell her where the knight is. He gladly agrees to show her the man. The lady rewards the peasant with free land and has him choose any house in the city as a reward. The author considers the ways how goods and talents may win the world’s love. The lady leaves the armor at the castle and sets out to find Wigalois. In the meantime the knight has come to his senses and is shocked about his nakedness. His life is a dream to him, he recalls his mother Florie, the queen of Syria, his uncle Joram, his father Gawein and his beautiful lady Larie. But now his is sure not to be Wigalois, nor a nobleman, but a poor wretch dwelling in this forest. When he sees the costly silk bag he got from his love he is quite happy but as he remembers Larie he gives a cry of grief.

Motif References:

J 2010 Uncertainty about own identity.

WvGW-5858: The lady from the castle hears his lamenting and the boat is brought to the shore. Shame makes Wigalois flee at once but the lady calls after him promising to end his troubles for he has restored her joy by rescuing her husband. Finally the knight hides no longer and shows himself naked as he is with his side turned toward her out of shame. She makes him put on her coat. When he has covered himself she leads him to the boat and promises to provide him with everything he needs. Wigalois is welcomed at the castle and all are grateful for his brave deed. He is given a bath and dressed with precious garments. The knight recovers but secretly laments the loss of his belt and armor. Yet he will conquer any adventure with God’s help.

Motif References:

N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

WvGW-6017: When the lady sees his sorrow she asks him about it and he tells her that he must ride to his adventure. He asks her to get him his sword, armor and a horse and she promises to equip him well for his adventure. He shall have the best armor, the one for which once Brien treacherously killed Lamer in his sleep. Her lord, King Jorel, gave it to her husband and made him swear to keep it until his daughter married a valiant man who should have this armor. A woman stole it out of a mountain from a dwarf who worked it with skill for some thirty years. It is very light, yet no weapon will pierce it. Lamer got it in Libia by war. He plundered the city and land until they gave him the armor. Later on he was killed by his brother Brien who brought it to Korntin and gave it to King Jorel who entrusted it to the lady’s husband. Wigalois thanks her for this gift and the lady and her husband put the armor on him. The lady ties on the pieces and his host binds the helmet with the golden wheel on his head. A red samite cloth is bound on his spear to show that he is riding off into mortal danger.

Motif References:

S 73.1 Fratricide
Z 141 Symbolic color: red
F 451.3.4.2 Dwarfs as smiths
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 824.7 (Bm) Impenetrable hauberk.
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
D 861 Magic object stolen.
D 862 Magic object taken away by force [recovered by fighting]
D 1101 Magic [part of] armor
D 1381.10 Magic [part of] armor protects from attack

WvGW-6155: Wigalois refuses a shield made of a griffin’s claw his host offers to him and has his own shield brought to him which shows that he is a knight of the Round Table. He puts on his costly surcoat which is torn in many places. The lady fastens his sword on him and prays to God for his safety. The knight leaves everything to God and is not at all superstitious. Whatever he encounters during the morning, however much the crows caw or the hawks fly, does not trouble him whatsoever. He is not angered that a woman gives him his sword, which some men think to be an ill omen. Wigalois is not troubled by any lack of faith.

Motif References:

B 42 Griffin
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
B 147.2 Birds furnish omens
V 440 Other religious virtues
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield
D 1812.5.1 Bad omens

WvGW-6204: Wigalois then takes leave of the people there and thanks them for their support. They give him good wishes and pray for him. He asks his host to get the lance from the dragon and keep it until he returns which they promise to do. The lady once again offers him service and begs him to come back to them to rest after the fight. A red horse is brought to him and he takes shield and spear. Then he takes the road to Glois. Lost in thought he strays from the road and turns on a grassy path which takes him into a thick forest. When he comes to a deep stream with no ford crossing it he fastens his horse to a branch and goes along the stream. Soon he sees a small raft tied to a willow floating on the water which he pulls back to where he left his horse.

Motif References:

N 771 King (prince) (lost) on hunt has adventures

WvGW-6284: From a cave in a rock nearby a wild woman comes running toward him. She is a shaggy and black monster, with long and tangled hair to her hips, a large head, a flat nose and gleaming eyes. Her brows are bushy and gray, she has large teeth, a broad mouth and two doglike ears hanging down. There is a hump on her back and one in front, and her breasts are hanging down against her sides. On her fingers she has got claws like those of a griffin and her palms are hard as a bear’s. She is neither so pretty as the most beautiful lady at Arthur’s court, lady Enite, nor is her body so charming like lady Jeschute’s which made Parzival run to her as she was sleeping in her tent. Following his mother’s teaching he took a ring and a brooch from her against her will and kissed her, which caused her trouble later on. Wolfram the wise man of Eschenbach praised Jeschute for her beauty. This woman however is ugly as can be with her powerful legs and crooked feet. She is called the mighty Ruel and is so swift that no beast can escape her. Her husband, Feroz, has been slain by Flojir of Belamunt, who in dying pulled him with him into the sea. Now she wants revenge for this loss and runs at the knight without a weapon for she is very strong.

Motif References:

F 511.2 Person unusual as to his ears
F 512 Person unusual as to his eyes
F 513.1 Person unusual as to his teeth
F 513 Person unusual as to his mouth
F 514 Person unusual as to his nose
F 515.2.2 Person with very long [and sharp] fingernails
F 527.5 Black man [knight; wild woman]
F 529.9 (Bm) Men with humps on front and back
F 531.1.5 Breasts of giantess [wild woman]
F 531.1.6.2.1 Giants (giantesses) [wild-woman] with long teeth.
F 531.1.6.11 Giant (giantess)[wild woman] with hump
F 531.1.6.1 Giant [wild woman] with nails like claws
F 541.1 Flashing eyes
F 542.1 Long ears
F 543 Remarkable nose.
F 544.0.1 Remarkably large mouth
F 544.3.5 Remarkably long teeth.
F 546 Remarkable breast
F 567.1 Wild woman
F 567 Wild man
F 576 Extraordinary ugliness
F 681 Marvelous runner [extraordinary speed of runner]
N 764 Unexpected meeting with wild man

WvGW-6365: Overconfident Wigalois does not expect her to be so strong and thinks he would not need to use his sword against her. So the wild woman seizes him and carries him away under her arm to her cave. Then Ruel takes his sword from him, pulls off his armor and ties both hands behind him. When she is about to kill him with his sword his horse begins to neigh loudly. At that the woman leaves him and flees from the cave. The dragon often came to this cliff to catch her and she often had to run away from him and when she hears the horse neigh she thinks the dragon is coming. After having closely escaped death Wigalois now lies bound in the cave unable to free himself. He prays to God to untie him and his fetters become loose. Happily he takes his sword lying near him and swears on it that it will never again happen that he sees something monstrous without striking the first blow. He puts on his armor and goes back to his horse. When he has crossed the stream on the raft he rides on toward Glois.

Motif References:

R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]
V 53.1 Prayer unfastens (boy’s) fetters.
G 420 Capture by ogre
N 650 Life saved by accident.
N 817.0.1 God as helper
D 1766.1 Magic results produced by prayer
J 1811 Animal cries misunderstood.
J 2130 Foolish disregard of personal danger

WvGW-6546: He sees 60 heavy spears stuck in the ground before a bridge which belong to a knight ready for battle. He rides a black horse with a cover of green and red, a splendid shield with a golden flower embossed on it. His coat of arms shows that he is a knight of Glois: A border of red gold encloses a gleaming white field with a pillar of azurite and glittering gold and on top of it sits Machmet as if he were alive to show that all is subject to his power. Wigalois is not at all impressed. The knight wears a lion’s skin and a precious helmet with gold and jewels on it and a large ruby at the top and a narrow band of red gold divides the helmet into two parts. He is a dwarf with large arms and short legs and is called the bold Karrioz. Being the son of a wild woman his body is hairy and powerful and his bones are without marrow which makes him all the stronger. He has seized the lion without a weapon and killed it with his bare hands and therefore he wears the skin. When Karrioz sees the knight coming he seizes a spear and turns to the stranger.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
F 150.3 Challenge at entrance of otherworld.
F 152.0.1 Bridge to otherworld guarded by animals [champion].
F 559 Remarkable physical organs - miscellaneous.
F 567.1 Wild woman
F 610.2 Dwarf hero of superhuman strength
F 628.1.1 Strong man kills lion with own hands
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield

WvGW-6646: Wigalois rides toward the other and they start jousting. Soon they have used up all spears and Karrioz seizes a large steel mace. They fight until evening. The knight gives Karrioz a deep wound through his helmet and then kills him with his sword. When the dwarf-hero feels death at hand he flees toward Glois crying so loudly that mountains and valleys echo and his flight raises such a cloud of dust over the road that he soon is hidden from the view of his pursuer.

Motif References:

H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]

WvGW-6725: All at once Wigalois sees before him a black fog into which the dwarf flees and dies in it. The fog comes from a swamp and encloses the adventure like a ring. One cannot walk or ride in or out until the hour when the sun makes way for night. Then the fog covers only the swamp, but with the night it comes forth again. Karrioz fled into the fog which settles on him like pitch and covers him and his horse altogether. Seeing this Wigalois waits until the fog sinks back to the swamp and then takes a road leading him to a bridge over the swamp. There is a marble gate with a bronze wheel on iron pillars that turns in front of the gate. It is driven by a stream flowing through the swamp and turns so fast that no one can pass it. The wheel has been placed by Roaz and maces and swords are fastened to it. Meanwhile the fog has risen behind him with the glow of the moon and Wigalois can go neither forward nor backward. The knight is in despair. But then he remembers all the hardships he met on his journey and commends his life to God’s mercy. Then sleep overcomes him. From God’s might a wind drives the fog back into the water which becomes thick and ceases to flow. The wheel stops and the noise awakens the knight. He puts a plank in the wheel and leads his horse over it. When he has passed the wheel he hears a voice announcing his death to him. Then the wind dies down, the fog rises again and the wheel turns as before. Thereby the adventure is shut off from the outside.

Motif References:

V 52 Miraculous power of prayer
F 141.2 Mist as barrier to otherworld.
F 152 Bridge to otherworld.
F 156.3 Perilous revolving wheel at entrance to otherworld.
F 162.6 Lakes in otherworld
F 165.1.0.2 Magic revolving wheel at door of otherworld dun (stronghold).
N 817.0.1 God as helper
F 842 Extraordinary bridge
D 921 Magic lake (pond [swamp]).
F 962.10 Extraordinary mist (darkness)
F 966 Voices from heaven (or from the air)
D 1402 Magic object kills.
D 1766.1 Magic results produced by prayer

WvGW-6927: Wigalois rides on with concern for the night is very dark. In this darkness a strange creature attacks him with fire. It has a head like a dog’s with a wide mouth, long teeth, deep-set, fiery red eyes, and from the waist down it has the body of a horse but between head and waist it has human form. It is covered with broad scales, harder than stone which cannot be cut by any weapon. The centaur carries a large brass kettle with a fire in it. Whatever it is thrown on burns like straw and no water can quench it. When the creature throws fire on Wigalois and burns his horse he dismounts. His shield and his surcoat burn away but the fire cannot harm his armor. So he runs at the centaur and cuts one of its legs. The creature throws the kettle of fire all over him and his helmet and sword burn up. Wigalois wounds the monster and the blood from the wound quenches the fire. The knight puts out the flames and thus is saved. The creature flees toward the fog and screams horribly. At the castle of Glois a voice calls out warning Roaz that Marrien who guarded the adventure every night is mortally wounded. He should take vengeance or he would lose everything, wife, honor, wealth and life. They all will be subject to him if he overcomes Roaz’s sorcery.

Motif References:

B 21 Centaur: man-horse
F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
G 512 Ogre killed
F 966 Voices from heaven (or from the air)
D 1016 Magic blood of animal
D 1101 Magic [part of] armor
D 1271 Magic fire
D 1566.2.6 Salamander’s blood quenches fire.
D 1672 Unquenchable fire
D 1840.2 Magic invulnerability of animals.

WvGW-7054: Then the voice is silent and the moon comes out of the clouds. In the bright moonlight Wigalois looks about and sees before him the beautiful castle of Glois, a high, broad and round building. The two wide gates of black marble have vaulted ceilings resting on pillars and the rest of the wall is of green marble trimmed with red gold and smooth as amber. It gleams in the moonlight like a mirror. In front of the gate is a large column of metal colored like a rainbow and clear as a mirror. The heathen shows great art at Korntin. At he top is a ruby set in gold and always shining like a bright star. The column is guarded by two knights, gray and more than a hundred years old, with long thick beards and their hair wound with ribbons. Under a lime tree they watch the column and are always ready for battle.

Motif References:

F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
F 169.1.1 Pillars of bronze in otherworld.
F 771.1 Castle of unusual material
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

WvGW-7105: Wigalois goes toward the gate. He entrusts life and soul to God and prays to Him for His aid against the pagans. The two old knights are sitting in armor on a step and their shields hang by the gate. Wigalois moving quietly seizes the nearest shield which makes the knights rush at him angrily. They fight and Wigalois kills one of his adversaries. The other one wants to avenge his companion but the hero presses him hard so that he begs for his life promising his service. They make peace and promise each other true friendship. The old man warns him that there is still the perilous combat against the heathen before him by which he will receive land, people, wealth, honor and the maiden. No knight has ever fought his way through this gate. It is after midnight and Wigalois asks who will open the locked gate for him. The old man advises him to move the ring at the gate which he does without delay. There is great din and the gate is opened angrily.

Motif References:

V 57.3 Prayer on special occasions.
F 150.3 Challenge at entrance of otherworld.
M 234 Life spared in return for life-long service [material compensation, peace treaty]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-7266: Wigalois prays to God before he enters the splendid castle. The walls on the inside gleam with red gold and many precious stones. The knight enjoys the lovely sight. Suddenly there is lightning in front of him and then a loud thunder clap. It becomes quite dark and Wigalois draws his sword. Then he sees twelve pretty maidens approaching him, each of them carrying a burning candle. All are dressed alike in fur and samite yellow on one side and red on the other. A door opens and Wigalois follows them into a large and beautiful palace. Then the knight sees Roaz in full armor rushing out of a door. In front of him floats a magic cloud which all but Wigalois can see. In it moves the devil to whom Roaz has given life and soul and who is always helping the heathen eager to gain his soul. Roaz thinks the devil would help him with his sorcery as before. Wigalois is protected by the text tied to his sword with prayer when he began the journey and by the sign of the cross he made when he entered the gate. So the devil dares not come closer.

Motif References:

Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
V 86 Sign of the Cross
V 151 Sacred writings.
M 211.9 Person sells soul to devil in return for granting of wishes
G 303.16.3 Devil’s power avoided by the cross
G 303.16.2.3 Devil’s power avoided by blessing [blessed or sacred writing].
F 771.1 Castle of unusual material
D 901 Magic cloud.
D 908 Magic darkness.
F 968 Extraordinary thunder and lightning

WvGW-7352: The door is locked. Roaz is as tall as a giant and has a large and sharp sword. On his large shield strong enough to use as a bridge over a stream is a dragon in azurite and gold and a golden boss inlaid with jewels. Over his white hauberk he has a cuirass of broad horn plates adorned with many jewels set in gold. His helmet is harder than glass and of the same steel from Inner India as the lance Wigalois left sticking in the dragon. On top of his helmet is a diamond on which is wrought a lifelike gold dragon. Roaz is a very valiant man.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
F 533 Remarkably tall man
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield

WvGW-7395: His wife Japhite follows him and before her walk twelve pretty and splendidly dressed maidens, each of them carrying a burning candle. They walk two by two and beside each pair walks a minstrel fiddling sweetly. Lady Japhite is the most beautiful of the ladies and wears the most precious clothes. Her sable mantle is lined with silk her husband brought over the sea from Asia where salamanders had spun it in fire. Her mother owns the high and hollow mountain which burns all the time where the cloth was made and where salamanders still spin it. God has given the salamander a strange life in fire. Japhite wears a golden crown and she has no fault except that she is not baptized. She sits on a precious high seat to watch the combat. Her maidens stand back.

Motif References:

V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
F 753 Mountain of fire
B 768.2 Salamander subsists on fire
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material

WvGW-7478: Roaz has ordered his retinue on pain of death not to help him whatever might happen to him. Roaz and Wigalois start fighting each other fiercely. Japhite laments the young knight’s peril, but fortune watches over him. Her husband is a brave and skillful warrior who feels regret and sorrow whenever he does anything good. Roaz strikes Wigalois so that he goes to his knees. But looking at the beautiful ladies he soon recovers. Both fighters serve for the favor of their ladies, Roaz for his wife and Wigalois because of Larie. When Wigalois wounds Roaz, Japhite is deeply grieved and she becomes pale, she weeps and sighs. They fight all night until finally Wigalois kills the heathen.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvGW-7673: When Japhite sees her husband lying dead she tears her clothes and runs to him in distress. At his death her heart breaks. She falls over him and cries pitifully. Then she presses the dead man to her and kisses him. She tears her hair and cries to Machmet that he has taken her husband from her whom she had entrusted to him. She takes him in her lap and lamenting she falls over him dead. Though she is a heathen, love taught her to give her loyalty and constant mind to her husband. Two bodies and two souls lie dead there, a death that should be bewailed.

Motif References:

T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief

WvGW-7766: Wigalois is so exhausted from the fight that he lies there as if dead. A great lament arises in the castle, they run to the hall, crying out and tearing their hair out of grief for their lord’s and their lady’s death. Roaz was a brave and strong knight and he fought to win Lady Japhite before Babylon where he killed many princes in battle. He unhorsed the king of Ascalon who swore submission to him. In a conflict before Damascus he led many defeated princes as prisoners into the city. During his lifetime he won praise by his bravery and his knightly deeds. In the morning the castle gate is unlocked. Count Adan of Alarie, whose three brothers were slain by Roaz, was forced to submit himself and his lands to him. Roaz spared him in return for his promise to be a gatekeeper for the rest of his life. His companion was the king of Mirmidon, whose enemy Roaz had been before he captured him at Damascus. He spared his life because of the prayers of the ladies but he had also to promise to guard his gate. When Count Adan hears the sounds of grief he enters the gate and finds all the retinue mourning for their lord and their lady.

Motif References:

R 74 Defeated warriors [adversaries] go into [are forced to join] the conqueror’s service
M 234 Life spared in return for life-long service [material compensation, peace treaty]

WvGW-7904: Wigalois lies powerless like a dead man and the maidens take off his helmet to see if he is alive. In their grief they would have slain him but Count Adan keeps them from harming the knight. He advises them to let him live for his death will not bring back their lord or their lady. Roaz was brought down by his own arrogance and the force against Larie. Adan will serve the knight who has won maiden and land. Adan takes care of Wigalois and when he says that Larie will be forever sad if he died here the name gives strength to him. Meanwhile it has become day and the heathen women are weeping for Japhite. The author believes that such a virtuous woman will be saved, a contrite heart at death and the sorrow for her loved one was her baptism.

Motif References:

V 81 Baptism
V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvGW-8039: The castle is shining like glass. There are no other knights than Wigalois and Count Adan. Roaz was not afraid of anyone coming through the gate because of the wheel but he was a jealous man and therefore had only ladies live at the castle. There are forty ladies and they are in great sorrow. The author would compare this distress to that caused by the death of a noble prince of Meran. Meanwhile Wigalois has recovered and thinks about his lady-love and when he shall see her again. Count Adan reminds him that his troubles are over and that they should bury the dead and leave. Wigalois follows his advice.

Motif References:

F 112.2 City [castle] of women
T 257 Jealous husband or wife.

WvGW-8136: Roaz is stolen away at once by devils with no one noticing it until they want to carry him out. There is even greater lamenting. Wigalois says that baptism and making the sign of the cross are protections against the devil and if Adan becomes a Christian the true God will preserve him from the devil. Adan is eager to be baptized but there is no priest and so Wigalois tells him to wait.

Motif References:

V 81 Baptism
M 219.2 Devil fetches man contracted to him.
G 303.16.2 Devil’s power over one avoided by prayer [and sign of the cross]
V 331 Conversion to Christianity

WvGW-8224: Wigalois consoles the ladies and then Lady Japhite is laid in a jacinth coffin which stands there on two bronze pillars. There are two glasses, one at her feet and one at her head. They are filled with balm which was lit and is still burning today. Roaz had ordered that the coffin be made. On the coffin is a blue sapphire and around it a ring of gold into which two clasped hands are wrought to show her loyalty. An epitaph is made in Arabic and French telling of her death from grief. A gold censer is inlaid and sealed on the jacinth and in it thymiamata always burn with a sweet odor. The coffin stands under a vault of marble which gleams red, green, blue and yellow. The vault is round, decorated with paintings and trimmed with gold. It is the temple of the heathens. The flagstones are like glass. Roaz was very wealthy – King Arthur could not have afforded such a splendid grave – and his pride made him build the vault.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites
V 112 Temples
F 773 Remarkable church (chapel, temple)
F 778.1 (G) Extraordinary grave
F 852 Extraordinary coffin [sarkophag]
D 1652.6 Ever-burning lamp

WvGW-8325: When the burial rites are over the ladies and the servants yield themselves to Wigalois to be his subjects. Count Adan who knows both Arabic and French tells them that Wigalois will treat them with kindness. Then they lead him to the riches their lord left behind. Yet Wigalois wants no other reward than to rest with Larie and he begs Adan to take charge of such wealth and keep it for him. The count has the castle and all the riches in his care. Then Adan takes care of Wigalois, bathes his wounds and binds them. After the knight has rested he says his prayers and thanks God for his aid. Then they have a meal. Wigalois now is troubled only by his longing for the beautiful maiden. After they have eaten Adan advises him to go for a ride. When he returns to the castle Adan has six fiddlers play for him to drive away his sorrow. As soon as the fog disappears Wigalois has his armor brought and asks Adan to ride forth with him for he wants to go to Count Moral in Joraphas. They shut off the water and stop the wheel. Wigalois asks the count to guard the country and promises to reward him. Then the knight rides away.

Motif References:

R 74 Defeated warriors [adversaries] go into [are forced to join] the conqueror’s service
P 110.0.1 (Bm) Faithful steward [knight] as regent
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvGW-8535: When Count Moral and his knights see the knight approaching the count thinks it is Wigalois but they are not sure about it for his shield is shiny and a gold chain is fastened to it which Count Adan bears because he is a prisoner. They finally recognize him by the wheel and hurry to welcome him. They ask him about his fight at Glois and are delighted to learn that the heathen was slain. Moral asks to become Wigalois’s liegeman. The knight now has earned the maiden and two rich lands and the crowns of Korntin and of Joraphin, a land on the lebermer, which has resisted strongly during the rule of Roaz and his power meant little there. Wigalois takes Moral as a liegeman and invests him with all that he has not inherited from his father. Then Moral hurries to Glois with one of his liegemen and asks Count Adan if the heathen has been slain. Adan confirms it and tells him that Japhite has died from grief, and that his lord has killed King Mirmidon, Karrioz and Marrien. Moral returns to Joraphas and has his squires take Wigalois’s weapons and armor. The whole castle resounds from the joyful music from stringed instruments, trumpets blown in the heathen manner, and tambourines. The mistress bids him welcome and there is a great reception by the host and his retinue.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 150 Other symbols
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield

WvGW-8670: Wigalois rests with Joraphas until they bring Larie from Roimunt. Meanwhile messengers were sent throughout the lands to proclaim that a noble knight completed the adventure. By messenger and letter the princes are summoned to Korntin where court is to be held in six weeks. There is little mourning for Roaz. The count is sent to Roimunt with a letter placed in a golden ring in which is set a diamond, a sign of his constant love. The count departs with his liegeman and Bejolarz, the son of the count of Leodarz, whose mother Bejolare is Moral’s sister. When they come to Roimunt they take away Larie’s sorrow for the knight. They give her the ring with the diamond and the letter which she enjoys reading. In this letter Wigalois assures her of his true and faithful love and asks her to come and receive her crown and land. She says that she is grateful to him and will give him anything he desires. She weeps with joy. Then she and her mother Amena get ready for the journey to Korntin. Azzadac, their faithful steward, goes with them. All are happy about the journey and no one wants to stay behind. It is a well arranged trip and the company travels in splendor.

Motif References:

T 41 Communication of lovers
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82.3.2 (Bm) Ring as fidelity token

WvGW-8884: At the end of the company rides the beautiful Larie. Larie is dressed up preciously. Bejolarz leads the horse of her mother, both horse and dress are black to show her grief for her husband. Wigalois has gone out to meet them for he hears of their coming by the page Schandalec who becomes rich with the messenger’s pay. Larie is beautiful, prudent, modest and kind, her face blooms like a rose and her body is perfect. When Wigalois and Larie meet the knight becomes pale from joy and the maiden red and pale from love and bashfulness. Wigalois says he has chosen her as his ruler and Larie asks him to take possession of her. They ride toward the castle amid sounds of revelry and the knights start jousting. Many minstrels show their skill. Lady Beleare receives the ladies and the queens and takes charge of them.

Motif References:

T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love
Z 143.1 Black as symbol of grief
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

WvGW-9049: Because of his good manners Wigalois does not lie with his bride until the wedding. The princes the lord has sent for arrive and pitch their tents in front of the castle. Rial, the king of Jeraphin, comes with his people who ride on elephants, because their land has no horses. He brings great riches with him. Another group comes from the land of Medarie. They are very sad because their lord, King Schaffilun of Medarie and Belakun, has been killed by Wigalois in a joust near Roimunt. He wanted to undertake the adventure of Korntin. As a sign of their deep grief they ride worn-out horses and their hair and beards are long, untrimmed and unwashed. There are coffins of red gold fastened to their shields to show that their lord is dead.

Motif References:

Z 150 Other symbols
P 681 Mourning customs
F 708 Countries with one conspicuous lack
B 801 Elephants in folktales

WvGW-9126: Elamie of Tyrus arrives in great splendor. In her company are twelve pretty girls, well dressed and mounted, but not in women’s manner: They wear men’s clothing and are good fighters. They are from Alarie and have taken up the life of a knight. Their beautiful leader, lady Marine, decided to live as a knight after her grandfather, the Count Adan, was captured by Roaz in a battle at Damascus and had to swear fealty. She is very wealthy and has a golden lion on shield and clothing. Queen Elamie wants to win with her beauty the knight who won back her horse for her. Then two pagan kings, Zaradech and Panschavar, with a large retinue arrive from Asia to get their sister Japhite. They weep and lament her death. They are pleased to see her splendid grave. Many dukes and counts come from pagan lands. Korntin becomes known as the home of joy where all the pleasures one could desire can be found. There are all sorts of knightly games and courtly pastimes.

Motif References:

F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors

WvGW-9264: Wigalois then rides to Korntin with a splendid retinue. Perfectly beautiful Larie is dressed in a lovely manner. Her face shines in two bright colors, red and snow-white. Wigalois rides beside her. There is great rejoicing, with music and knightly games. With such splendor they are escorted to Korntin where Wigalois gives a friendly welcome to his guest and takes possession of the land. Wigalois invites them to stay for twelve days. In the meantime crowned Larie comes, Queen Marine walks in front of her. King Rial takes the knight’s sword and carries it unsheathed in front of the lady and Moral carries before her the lance with which Wigalois slew the dragon. Larie takes it and asks the knight to take the crown, her land and herself. Then Rial gives the lady to the knight in marriage. He gives her a ring and in return she gives him the land and asks the knights if they agree which they do with great joy. Then the lady places the golden crown on his head and gives him a golden scepter, entrusting her people, her land and herself in his care. He kisses her and takes possession of her.

Motif References:

P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
Z 65.1 Red as blood, white as snow
T 135 Wedding ceremony

WvGW-9443: After the ceremony there is great rejoicing in the palace and a splendid feast begins with music and all pleasant entertainment. Wigalois and Larie go happily to their room. In the morning they hear mass. Count Adan and the maidens Wigalois has sent for arrive from Glois. When he hears a bishop preaching Adan begins to repent of his sins and he wants to be baptized. Lady Marine and her maidens receive baptism as well. King Rial receives his land in fief as well as many other princes. Wigalois bids them uphold the law of Charlemagne and provide true justice throughout his realm. Gawein and three other knights, Erec, Lanzelet and Iwein, arrive in splendor at the castle with large and stately trains. The king and the queen receive them well and Wigalois greets his father as a son should do. Wigalois sent Gawein a letter with a seal that the latter had left with his wife. In this letter Wigalois told his father that he had become king of the lands and had invited him to come to his court. Gawein asks his son about his mother and laments when he hears the story. He meets Larie and says she is the most beautiful of all women. The feast goes on for twelve days with all entertainments, knightly sports and games and with tournaments.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
T 136.1 Wedding feast
V 331 Conversion to Christianity
V 332 Baptism of heathen
P 634 Feasts

WvGW-9799: When the festival is ending a page comes running into the hall. He tears his hair in distress and is naked except for shoes and trousers. He brings a bloody, broken spear with which the noble King Amire of Libia was stabbed by the faithless Lion three days before in a joust at Namur. He mourns him loudly and urges them to avenge his lord. Lion after killing Amire led away his wife Liamere by force. The royal couple were on their journey to Korntin. Amire now lies on the field, still unburied. The squire says he has torn his clothes in grief. Liamere’s and Larie’s fathers were cousins. Larie sinks down in grief at the shame of her relative. Wigalois promises to declare war on Lion. The princes warn him that Lion will have mighty helpers, for the Serbians, the Walachians and the Greeks are his friends and many knights from Turkey will come to his aid. Erec and Gawein however advise him not to delay and at once vassals and guests promise to help him. Wigalois sends his messenger with the page to declare war on Lion. When Wigalois offers the page some clothing he refuses for he will live in sorrow until his lord is avenged.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
S 110 Murders
S 139.2.2.11.2 (Bm) Humiliation of corpse: body of dead hero left in field for wild beasts to eat.
P 550.1.3 (Tu) Declaration of war
P 678.1 Tearing garments as sign of grief
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
K 959 Other kinds of treacherous murder
K 2221 Treacherous rival lover [suitor]

WvGW-9946: Then the page returns to his dead lord still lying on the field. God has protected him from birds and dogs these past seven days. His shield has been placed over him according to the custom of the land and his sword is under his head. His two greyhounds have stayed beside him, mourning him and guarding him from birds and wild beasts. They have died from hunger together with his horse which is tied to a branch. Liamere is in deep grief about her husband’s death and the loss of his men slain and taken prisoner. She has lost all her beauty from distress and laments day and night. She has cut off her beautiful braids, torn her clothes and her mind has turned to madness so that she has to be watched. Lion often promises her his land and himself but she refuses everything. When Lion sees her dead he says he followed the evil advice of lust to kill the warrior only because of the hope to gain his beautiful wife. Meanwhile Wigalois’s messenger arrives and names the lords and knights withdrawing their friendship from him. They will wage war against him and will arrive in twelve days. Lion replies that he expects to defend city and land against them well.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
B 301.1 Faithful animal at master’s grave dies of hunger.
P 550.1.3 (Tu) Declaration of war
P 556 Challenge to battle
E 800 The Corpse
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief

WvGW-10205: The messenger returns to Korntin and tells the court how Amire was slain for his wife and how the beautiful Liamere has died from grief. Her loyalty was more constant than a diamond. They all mourn the noble woman. The author says that in former times false love was unusual but now people are happy with deceit and their is no such thing as loyal love. People turn aside also from God’s commandments and times are becoming worse every day. Long ago Saint John saw the heavens standing open and things taking place therein of which he was forbidden to write. He saw the messengers of the true Lamb going about and an eagle flying and crying in grief that mankind has scorned God’s commandments and therefore must suffer. All worldly riches will become wretched when life has ended.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Z 150 Other symbols
V 510 Religious visions

WvGW-10311: Larie is deeply grieved at her relative’s death and there is much weeping and lamenting. The messenger tells them of king Lion’s threats against Wigalois’s army. Then they all prepare quickly for the campaign. Larie is to go wherever her husband goes and a beautiful tower is made for her comfort and placed on an elephant. It is round, tall, covered with silk, and splendidly furnished. Larie rides in it with twelve noble maidens. Inside hanging on a golden chain from a net is a clear crystal filled with a sweet balsam. Its odor removes any grief and soothes any illness when one rubs it on. It is enclosed in an incandescent ruby which forms the cover of the crystal. The salve is brought from the pagan land of the Old Man and its strength comes from costly herbs. The net is well made with many little golden bells on it, flowers deck the walls and the floor. The sun shines through glass all around. Wigalois has the tower guarded by four loyal counts.

Motif References:

F 789 Extraordinary buildings and furnishings - miscellaneous
B 801 Elephants in folktales
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1359.3 Magic object causes joy
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

WvGW-10424: Then Wigalois makes the princes swear to obey Gawein who is very skillful in battle. With his great army Wigalois sets out to Namur. No knight is there for pay, they are all eager to serve without reward. King Rial goes first with his troop. He has a white and red banner with a golden elephant in the middle. His men swear bravery to him. He has six elephants bearing assault towers and a great army. Then comes the queen with her train. Twelve noble and very beautiful maidens go with her, all dressed in costly clothes. Larie’s clothes are most precious and splendid. In front of the ladies lie chess and backgammon boards of ivory and they play with precious stones. They also have all sorts of musical instruments. The knights find merriment there. Above her tower is a banner with the golden beast on it which is displayed out of faithfulness. Iwein and Erec take care of her and lead three thousand knights with bright banners. Weapons and armor are bound to pack horses and trumpets are to be heard sounding and the reins ringing with golden bells. Three kings ride behind the army with strong spears from Angran. There are many wagons of provisions and foot soldiers walk with throwing spears and darts. The rear of the army is protected by archers. At the head of the army a squire leads an elephant with the king’s treasury and his banner, a golden wheel on black field. Mules carry many huts and tents.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
B 268.3 War-elephants
P 551 Army
P 552.4 War-machines
F 789 Extraordinary buildings and furnishings - miscellaneous
B 801 Elephants in folktales

WvGW-10720: On the twelfth day after the declaration of war they arrive at Namur. They have brought with them the embalmed body of King Amire in a precious stone coffin which is placed on a pillar. Half of the city lies on the sea and the city is well fortified and fully enclosed by a strong wall. They have good missiles and rocks, catapults and great logs. The city has eight gates. Gawein who is in charge of the army grants a truce until next morning and arranges the siege. He assigns the gates to the leaders of the troops and disperses the foot solders. An elephant is assigned to each troop. They have been taught to give way, hold firm or move against the enemy. They set up a beautiful and large tent for Larie with the beautiful beast on top. There is food enough for everyone and all one can desire. A watch is formed at night and music is to be heard all over the field.

Motif References:

B 268.3 War-elephants
P 550 Military affairs
P 552 Battle formations
P 552.4 War-machines
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
P 683 (Bm) Embalming
F 852 Extraordinary coffin [sarkophag]

WvGW-10883: In the morning after the Christians have heard mass they all arm for battle. Gawein and Erec display the banner of the king: a wheel from green silk on a red field. The troop of queen Elamie has a blue banner with a gold crown in the middle and the steward of Roimunt a black banner with the golden beast. Then the gates are opened and the battle begins which costs the lives of many fighters. Lady Marine is fighting bravely and accepts the surrender of a Turkish knight. But then a knight from Greece kills her in a joust; Count Adan avenges her. Erec and Iwein excel in fighting. The siege goes on for six weeks. Early one morning Lion rides out and challenges Gawein. Another knight from the city hurries up and wounds Gawein but he takes Lion’s horse. The troops of the prince come to his aid and a general battle starts. Wigalois, Iwein and Erec race up and kill many knights. Blood flows on the field from the dead and wounded. When Gawein has killed Lion his troops begin to flee toward the city. Many knights are captured. The invaders have won.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WvGW-11157: Wigalois decides to let the citizens live if they would surrender and swear allegiance to him. He makes them all take an oath and demands hostages. A deputy is put in charge as a regent of the country. At Larie’s wish the duchy of Namur is given to Count Moral as a fief. The citizens bring Wigalois 30,000 marks of gold which he divides among the princes. Ransom is set for the prisoners. Then the wounded are cared for and the dead are buried. Because of his noble birth Lion is given a decent burial. The body of King Amire is laid in the coffin of his wife Liamere with a golden crown hanging over it. They both are wound with fine silk and a clear glass filled with balm is placed in the coffin. Larie orders the citizens to build a chapel there which they do soon. Wigalois takes possession of the land and commands that there be justice and peace on pain of death. Then he leaves with his army.

Motif References:

V 65 Commemoration of death
V 69 Funeral rites - miscellaneous
R 75.1 Defeated surrender their city
T 86 Lovers buried in same grave [coffin]
R 99 (Bm) Ransom
V 111.5 (Bm) Church [cloister] built in hero’s [fallen warriors’] honor
P 533.1 Hostages
P 552 Battle formations
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

WvGW-11243: When his allies leave Wigalois gives reward to those who will accept it and lets no one leave without a gift. Count Adan takes the body of Marine to the land of Alarie. They take three prisoners, counts who would bring large ransoms. Wigalois sends his knights to Korntin while he goes with his companions to take the queen and twenty noble youths to Brittany. While they are traveling along a page brings them bad news. On his head he has a flower wreath and in his hand an ivory staff. He asks whose train this is. Wigalois knows from his speech that he is his mother’s page. The page tells him that his mother has died out of grief for him and for the loss of her husband. She was buried thirty days ago. She sent him a ring as a reminder of her love and faithfulness. Everyone is unhappy at the news and Gawein says he will never remarry nor take part in knightly combat unless forced to do so.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
H 82 Identifying tokens sent with messenger
H 82.3.2 (Bm) Ring as fidelity token
P 231 Mother and son
F 1041.1.3 Death from sorrow or chagrin

WvGW-11392: On the twelfth day they come to Nantes where the knights of King Arthur receive them with knightly games. The king and his wife welcome the company. Arthur and Ginover and many ladies mount the back of the elephant to greet the beautiful Queen Larie. She is led to the palace and the retinue praises her highly for her beauty and her charm. Arthur takes Wigalois to the hall where count Hojir and his lady welcome him. They all are happy at his good fortune and learn that Gawein is his father. They spend a week there. Then Wigalois and Larie take leave to look after their own land. As Wigalois journeys toward Korntin Gawein rides beside him and advises him to be prudent in all things, to rely on the faithful, listen to the complaints of poor people and help them, be just and kind. He should be proud toward his enemies and gracious to his friends, honor his guests, be slow to anger and discreet in his habits. He should never forget his mother. They both weep for her. Wigalois makes his father promise to visit his land. Then they all kiss and take leave. Gawein returns to Nantes and Wigalois rides on to Korntin.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 233 Father and son

WvGW-11605: When they come to Korntin they take possession of their land. There castle is called the home of joy. The plain in front of the castle which had been a wilderness now becomes peopled and planted. Wigalois is a virtuous king, listening to the laments of the poor and relieving their distress. Wigalois and Larie have a son, whose story is very wondrous and tangled. He is called Lifort Gawanides and is a valiant knight who becomes very famous. Then the author considers the difficulties to tell the story of this knight and ends his story which a squire told him who gave it to him to compose it. Sir Wigalois and his wife lived blamelessly in wealth and honor until death and their noble lives earned them salvation.

Motif References:

Z 10.2 End formulas.
P 12 Character of kings

Matière de Bretagne

Wirnt von Grafenberg, Wigalois (>1210/20) Kapteyn, J.M.N.(ed.): Wirnt von Grafenberg, Wigalois. Bonn 1926.

Wirnt von Grafenberg, Wigalois (>1210/20)
Kapteyn, J.M.N.(ed.): Wirnt von Grafenberg, Wigalois. Bonn 1926.