Yvain, or the Knight with the Lion, is written in the genre of ancient European literature. The author of this work and the founder of courtly literature is Chrétien de Troyes. At the heart of courtly literature are the knights’ behavior, the estate’s value system, and attitude to love affairs. Yvain raises the critical questions of adventure, chivalry, and pilgrimage, making the reader wonder about the conflict of love and chivalry.
The heroes’ behavior and the author’s adventures in the novel fully correspond to ancient literature strategy. The story was written between 1176-1181 AD in Medieval France. The author’s writing manner was worthy of the Middle Ages; he became famous for King Arthur and Lancelot’s stories, but Yvain is closer to the modern novel. The date accuracy problem is standard in those days, as the text survived in 7 manuscripts with different dates. Yvain falls in love with Laudine but is fond of experiences, so they break the agreement to return in a year, and the wife is furious about the fact. Yvain, unlike similar works of the author, raises the topic of knightly adventures and wrestling more than love.
Chivalry is a kind of foundation for medieval society’s life that is clearly expressed in the novel. The story begins with a description of the celebration in which the knights communicate with the ladies. Men reveal the exploits’ stories, and one of them, named Calogrenant, tells a tale that happened seven years ago about the miracle source. He reports a magic spring which, if spilled on a semi-precious stone, raises a storm and makes the most horrendous enemy appear. The character acted in a way that, the knight Calogrenant barely survived following this battle. The rest of the guests raised a heated discussion about the need to retrieve the knightly honor, and everyone was ready to rush into action. The manifestation of such courage leads to the heroes’ various adventures; all want to defend their principles and King Arthur’s honor.
The pilgrimage is seen in Gawain’s biography when the man finds himself at the castle. The path of the hero is complex, and many trials lie on it. All the shots are associated with crime, such as murder for revenge, killing for love, and death of love in the heart of Gawain. For example, when the character finds himself in the castle, he seems to make a pilgrimage to the grave. Although death has not yet come, it was only a desire to kill him. Another example is Pilgrimage travels based on knightly customs. The heroes almost race to get to the holy ladle and defend their principles.
The novel is written based on the interweaving of natural and fantastic elements. Facts such as moral principles, actions, and values allow the reader to see and understand the events’ historical meaning. Fantastical elements are revealed in the chivalry of the heroes. The conflict lies in the juxtaposition of love and duty, for example, when Laudine lets her husband go for precisely one year and no more. Man does not have time to return; they suffer for a long time, but, in the end, the wife forgives them for the knightly exploits. The characters are driven more by a thirst for adventure than a love for women, although it also plays an important role.