This Alsatian adaptation of the Roman de Renart dates from the end of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century. It contains many episodes borrowed from the French work, such as Renart and the Eels or Fishing with a Bucket, but they are rearranged in a new perspective. While the first part of the story remains quite close to the playful and facetious spirit of the French branches from which it draws inspiration and presents a fox who tries, with more or less success, to trap other animals, the second movement is much more acerbic and stands out for its originality. The Alsatian author describes a world upside down where dishonesty and cunning prevail over all other values. Through this critique of contemporary society, Heinrich called the Sly also targets the imperial power, denouncing the tyranny and lack of loyalty of the Hohenstaufen. This edition presents the Middle High German text established from manuscript 341 in the Heidelberg University Library [Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg, Cod. Pal. germ. 341] and includes the Cassel fragment (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel, 8° Ms. poet. et roman. 1), which constitutes the oldest version of the story available to us. The Alsatian text is accompanied by an introduction, a French translation and numerous notes allowing it to be situated in its social and historical context. - [Publisher]

Language: French

ISBN: 978-2-37747-322-9