Chevrefoil is a lai written by Marie de France. The shortest of the lais, it tells of the love between Tristan and Iseult.
Characters[]
- Tristram (Tristan)
- Iseult (The queen)
- King Mark
- Brangaine
Plot[]
After angering his uncle King Mark of Cornwall due to his love for Iseult, Tristram is exiled from his kingdom and forced to wander through his homeland of Wales.
After a year in exile, Tristram hears of a Pentecostal feast at Tintagel held by King Mark where his lover will be present. To gain the notice of his love while the court of the king is out, Tristan carves his name into a hazel branch - something which he has done in the past.
Iseult notices the signal and leaves the party of her husband behind and leaves with only her servant Brangaine accompanying her. Tristram and Iseult are reunited, with their love described as being like the bond between honeysuckle and hazel.
Notes[]
- Chevrefoil is included in both the Harley 978 and the original manuscript of the Lais.