Enchantment In Lanval

Lanval by Marie de France follows the story of an enigmatic woman who romances the protagonist of the story, a desolate knight named Lanval. Their short love is intense, yet largely unexplained. Analyzing the elements of character between the woman and Lanval force the reader to challenge the conventional role of enchantment in a story. This concept alters our conclusions about not only their relationship, but relationships in our own world as well. While Lanval may seem happy at first, this essay will seek to demonstrate that the enchantment of the woman has grave consequences no only for Lanval, but also the whole of the Arthurian court. The initial behavior of the woman is the catalyst for our skepticism. At only their first meeting,
One might argue that her motives are irrelevant if Lanval is happy in the end, but there are events that would serve as proof that he is not, ultimately, in an improved emotional state. Specifically we can consider his behaviour during the trial. She punishes him for telling the Queen of their love. He begs her to appear to him, yet she does not. As she withholds herself from him, Lanval becomes suicidal. The other knights are tasked with making sure he does not harm himself, as Lanval feels that “they could have killed him for all he cared” (de France 358-359). The fact that she eventually comes to acquit him of his charges in court proves only that their relationship is a game to her. Forcing Lanval to have her remain a secret is practically asking for him to reveal her. How could he not boast that someone, richer and more beautiful than any royalty, loves him? Regarding this, it is not outrageous to assume that she always knew he would reveal their relationship. Making him truly feel the fear of having lost her forever is merely a part of her manipulation, and saving Lanval indebts him to her
It is conceivable that the theme of enchantment is employed on its reader to bring a sense of distrust, and in this way, calling one to challenge the story. However, through the character of King Arthur we are given a warning of the ramifications of distrusting one to the point of isolation. Are you employing a form of enchantment on those around you, or are you potentially a victim of it yourself? Therefore, through Lanval, de France offers us a paradigm with which to compare our own