WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - The Poetry Fix: The Hunt (Guigemar)

Episode Date: October 8, 2024

Today, we read an opening excerpt from Marie de France's Guigemar, a medieval tale of curses, courtly intrigue, and forbidden love. We examine the poet's characterization of the knight, Guigemar, and how his lack of tenderness foreshadows the dramatic events to follow.

Poetry Fix on Radio Freehills, bringing you your weekly fix of poetry from across time. Today we're reading Marie de France's Guizmire. Guizmire is what's known as a laise, or a short medieval tale told in verse. As Marie de France introduces our protagonist, the titular Guizmire, we can already see the seeds of the future intrigue planted within the poet's opening description of him. Guizmah is handsome, astute, courageous, the ideal medieval knight. Yet the nearly perfect Guizhmar has a flaw, his utter disinterest in romance. See, Guizmire is entirely occupied with the affairs of war, as well as hunting, his other great

passion. Whenever you read old tales about a huntsman who is overly consumed with passion for the sport, be wary. It's usually a sign that the man has an overweening combative instinct that needs to be tempered. Guizhmar's fault, then, is not simply a lack of interest in women. It's a lack of tenderness, which is required both to fall in love and to have the instinct to protect the weak and show mercy. With all that said, let's dive in.

Guizmard by Marie de France. Translated by Dorothy Gilbert. Hoylas was king, then heretofore, often at peace, often at war. And this king had a vassal, one who was the baron of Lyon. This man was called Oridiales, much in the confidence he was of Hoylas, a brave knight and true. By his wife he had children, too. A boy and lovely girl as well, named Nojuent, this demoiselle. Her brother was named Guizmars.

In that realm, none will be. handsomer. A marvel was his mother's love, and great respect his father gave. When they could bear such offering, they sent him out to serve the king. There, this astute and brave young man was greatly loved by everyone. After a time, he reached the stage of understanding, came of age, and the king dubbed him splendidly with all the arms he wished. Then he made his departure, left the court. So many gifts he handed out. Flanders he sought to make his fame. always war there. In Lorraine, in Burgundy or in Anjou, the southeast, Gaskin regions too. No man could find, try as he might, the equal of this fine young knight.

In one way nature, though, did err. For love this young man had no care. Under sweet heaven, no demoiselle nor dame, noble and beautiful, would not, if he had sought her love, been happy to acceptance give. Many dames sought him, often, never did one of her. awaken him the lover. Any observing him could see he had no thought of an ami. Stranger perceived him, as did friend, as loving men, and surely damned. Now when his fame was in full bloom, this baron made a visit home to see his lord, to see his father, his sister, his devoted mother, all of whom longed for his return. With them he made a long sojourn. I think it was a month entire. To hunt, now that was his desire. His knights he summoned, and

and his hunters the night before, called out his beaters, then in the morning started out. For dearly he enjoyed this sport. For a great stag they gathered there, the dogs were loosed, and Guizhmar had all his huntsmen ride before. He lingered, dallying in the rear. A servant bore his dog, his bow, his quiver and his knife also. For given opportunity, he'd aim before the deer could flee. You've been listening to The Poetry Fix with Erica If you enjoyed this episode, consider following the poetry fix on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Join me next week, and we'll be continuing our journey through Guizhmar to learn the outcome of this fateful hunt.