Domnei · Chapter
II explained
This chapter discusses the fragmentary manuscript of the Roman de Lusignan, focusing on the episodic story of Melicent and her lovers, disembedded from the main narrative.
What happens
This chapter discusses the fragmentary manuscript of the Roman de Lusignan, focusing on the episodic story of Melicent and her lovers, disembedded from the main narrative. It notes the absence of Mélusina in the preserved portion and speculates on the romance's chronology and treatment of the Ahasuerus legend.
Themes in this chapter
The Nature of True Love
The episodic story centers on Melicent and the men who loved her, exploring themes of love and devotion.
Beauty and Its Perils
Melusina's beguilements and the focus on Melicent's allure suggest the dangers and complexities of beauty.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas de Caen
Author of the Roman de Lusignan, discussed in M. Verville's monograph.
- Melicent
Central figure in the episodic story disembedded from the main narrative.
- Perion de la Forêt
Lover of Melicent, with earlier relations to Mélusina mentioned but not detailed.
- Mélusine
Legendary figure who hardly appears in the preserved portion of the manuscript.
- Ahasuerus
Figure in the Ahasuerus legend, treated differently by Nicolas compared to precursors.
Key passages
“Among the innumerable manuscripts in the British Museum there is perhaps none which opens a wider field for guesswork.”
The manuscript is one of the most enigmatic in the British Museum, inviting much speculation.
Highlights the fragmentary and mysterious nature of the source material.
“the episodic story of Melicent and of the men who loved Melicent has been disembedded from what survives of the main narrative.”
The tale of Melicent and her lovers has been extracted from the remaining parts of the larger story.
Explains how the chapter's focus is derived from the incomplete manuscript.