Wace's Roman de Brut

Definition

Wace's Roman de Brut is a 12th-century epic poem that retells the history of Britain, focusing on the legendary King Arthur and his knights. Written in Old Norman, it played a crucial role in shaping the Arthurian legend and influencing later works, including those by Sir Thomas Malory. This narrative not only provided a foundational text for medieval literature but also reflects the cultural and historical context of its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wace's Roman de Brut was composed around 1155 and is notable for being one of the earliest vernacular adaptations of the Arthurian legend.
2. The poem is structured as a narrative that blends history with mythology, making it an important text for understanding medieval perceptions of British identity.
3. Wace’s work introduces the character of Guinevere more prominently and explores her relationship with Arthur in ways that influence later adaptations.
4. The Roman de Brut is divided into several sections, each detailing different parts of Britain's history, emphasizing themes of chivalry and heroism.
5. Wace's use of Old Norman reflects the linguistic and cultural exchanges between England and Normandy following the Norman Conquest, illustrating the blending of traditions.

Review Questions

• How does Wace's Roman de Brut contribute to our understanding of the Arthurian legend and its development in medieval literature?
  • Wace's Roman de Brut is pivotal in establishing many elements of the Arthurian legend that would resonate through subsequent literature. By providing a narrative structure and infusing the tales with themes of heroism and chivalry, Wace helped shape perceptions of King Arthur as an ideal ruler. His emphasis on characters like Guinevere also added depth to the narrative, influencing how these figures would be portrayed in later works, including Malory's adaptations.
• Discuss the significance of Wace's choice to write in Old Norman rather than Latin, and how this impacts the accessibility of his work.
  • By choosing to write Wace's Roman de Brut in Old Norman, Wace made the story accessible to a broader audience beyond the educated elite who typically read Latin. This decision highlights the cultural shifts occurring in medieval society, where vernacular literature began to flourish. The use of Old Norman not only democratized access to important historical narratives but also contributed to the preservation and evolution of regional languages in literature.
• Evaluate how Wace's Roman de Brut reflects the cultural and historical context of 12th-century Britain and its influence on future literary traditions.
  • Wace's Roman de Brut encapsulates the blend of historical fact and mythic storytelling characteristic of 12th-century Britain. It mirrors contemporary concerns about national identity in a post-Norman Conquest society while celebrating chivalric ideals through its depiction of Arthur and his court. The poem set a precedent for later retellings, particularly influencing Malory’s Le Morte d'Arthur, which further solidified these legends within English literary tradition. Thus, Wace’s work not only preserved history but also shaped cultural narratives that resonated throughout medieval Europe.

Related terms

Arthurian Legend: A body of stories and medieval romances centered around the legendary figure of King Arthur, his knights, and their adventures.

Chanson de geste: A medieval epic poem that recounts the deeds of heroic figures, often associated with the French literary tradition.

Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur: A 15th-century work by Sir Thomas Malory that compiles and reinterprets earlier Arthurian tales, heavily influenced by Wace's Roman de Brut.