LL-L "Literature" 2002.06.17 (05) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 17.JUN.2002 (05) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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 A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian L=Limburgish
 LS=Low Saxon (Low German) S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic Z=Zeelandic (Zeeuws)
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From: frank verhoft <frank_verhoft at yahoo.com>
Subject: Help needed

Patricia:
<<<I didn't know about the Dutch origin of Renart
(Reynaert) either. I thought it was French.<<<

Ron:
<<<I am not sure anybody is really knows how far back
the story of the naughty fox goes.<<<

IMHO, this is the only possible answer to the question
of the origins of the Reynaert-stories. I doubt
whether it can be pertinent to state that it is a
story originated in this or that region. "Van den Vos
Reynaerde", edited by Lulofs and published by
Wolters-Noordhoff gives an excelent introduction on
the origins of the Reynaert-cycle, and all the
questions this search yields, the mixture of origins,
motives, genres...
Lulofs mentions (a.o.) three  of the earliest texts
that have surived the centuries:
* 1050, Ecbasis captivi, a "cento" about a sick
lion-king, a devious wolf whose castle is sieged by a
clever/smart fox and his troups. Probably written in
Lotharingen.
* 1150, Ysengrimus: Latin text, 6574 verses, probably
written in Gent, and it already contained the irony
and critique on religious and wordly leaders. The
animals are given names that mainly have Germanic
origins (though latinized): Ysengrimus and Reinardus
show up.
Some elements seem refer to the Aesopean tradition,
other elements to Arabic influence, and still others
are believed to be, erm, "Germanic", or rather quite
local.
* 1175, Le Roman de Renard, first Reynaert-collection
not written in Latin: Pierre de Saint-Cloud
* end 12th C, Heinrich der Glichezare, Reinhart Fuchs
(Middle High German), partly containing similar
branches as Le Roman de Renard, partically consisting
of other material.
Seems that in the region (modern days) North
France-Flanders-Germany the Reynaert stories were very
well known and popular round that time. Without
jumping to conclusions, Lulofs states that these
regions were inhabited by Franks, who were romanised
in N-France. He clearly gives sources and other
references, ranging from the Aisopos, Arabic sources,
the bible, Germanic folk tales, bestiaria... you name
it...

Best regards,

Frank Verhoft

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"De perto ninguém é normal!" - Caetano Veloso

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