Yvain: The Knight of the Lion

Anderson, M. T. Illustrated by Andrea Offermann. Yvain: The Knight of the Lion. 2017. 134p. 978-0-7636-5939-4. Available in the graphic section of the library.

The Knights of the Round Table are celebrating Pentecoast when one of their junior members, Sir Calogrenant, return to Arthur’s castle bloodied and beaten. When he explains to Dame Guinevere and the assembled knights that he was defeated by the Duke of Brocéliande and barely escaped with his life, his cousin, Sir Yvain, immediately decides that he should challenge that man himself. Arthur agrees that they should all head there, after the party ends. Sir Yvain has other ideas, however, and he heads out alone to confront the miscreant.

Reaching the magical fountain in the woods of Brocéliande, Sir Yvain is attacked by the same Duke, but he manages to slay him. Following the body back his castle, Yvain is stuck inside and meets Lunette, the Duchess’ servant. Wielding magic, she protects him from the soldiers who search for him, and he witnesses the Duke’s burial. Glancing the Duke’s widow, Yvain immediately falls in love with her, and through careful planning Lunette is able to set them together. Now married, Yvain agrees to protect the fountain, but Sir Gawain manages to convince him to depart for a year’s worth of tournaments. Yvain’s new wife, Laudine, warns him that if he does not return in one year he will be forever banished from the castle and from her life.

When Yvain fails to return, Arthus is notified of Laudine’s order, and Yvain, realizing that he has lost everything, decides to end it all. Wandering the forests looking for death, he discovers a lion fighting a dragon, and he slays the dragon and cares for the lion. Now known as the Knight of the Lion, Sir Yvain searches for ways to atone for his sins and regain Laudine’s confidence and love. In the process, Yvain destroys more monsters, frees slaves, and fights his best friend in a battle to the death, all to find salvation.

Based on a tale told in one of Chrétien de Troyes’ 12th century epic poems, Sir Yvain’s story explores the meaning of love at a time when women controlled precious little. The illustrations lavishly render this period in history into visual representations that add to the storytelling. Fans of the Middle Ages and of graphic novels will appreciate this book and Sir Yvain’s quest to become a better person.