Huon of Bordeaux: Analysis of Major Characters
"Huon of Bordeaux" is a narrative that revolves around themes of honor, betrayal, and adventure, centered on the character of Huon, the older son of the deceased Duke of Guienne. Following an encounter with Charlot, the son of King Charlemagne, Huon is forced into a pilgrimage to Jerusalem after killing Charlot in self-defense. This journey is marked by the aid of Oberon, the fairy king, who not only assists Huon through various trials but also ultimately helps restore his rights upon his return to court.
Key characters in this tale include Huon's younger brother, Gerard, who usurps Huon's rights during his absence, and King Charlemagne, depicted as a capricious ruler lacking the nobility usually attributed to him. Other significant figures include the villainous Earl Amaury, who plays a crucial role in the conflict, and the wise Duke Naymes, who supports Huon. Additionally, the narrative features Gawdis, the amir of Babylon, and his daughter Claramond, whom Huon wins over during his quest. Together, these characters contribute to a rich tapestry of intrigue and personal transformation that informs the overarching narrative.
Huon of Bordeaux: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: First half of the thirteenth century (English translation, c. 1534)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Paris, Jerusalem, Rome, and the fairy kingdom of Mommur
Plot: Epic
Time: Ninth century
Huon de Bordeaux (ew-OHN deh bohr-DOH), the older son of the dead Duke of Guienne. On his way with his brother Gerard to pay homage to King Charlemagne, he is ambushed by the king's son, Charlot, whom he kills in self-defense. He is then sent, by the angry Charlemagne, on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After many adventures, through which he is assisted by Oberon, the fairy king, he returns to court to claim the rights usurped during his absence by his brother.
Gerard (zhay-RAHR), the younger brother of Huon de Bordeaux and the usurper of his rights.
King Charlemagne (shar-leh-MAHN-yeh), who bears little resemblance to the great king of legend. He is pictured as in his dotage, petulant, violent, and unreasonable. Unjustly angry with Huon de Bordeaux, he sends him on a dangerous pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Charlot (shahr-LOH), King Charlemagne's son, who ambushes Huon de Bordeaux and is killed by him in self-defense.
Oberon (oh-bay-ROHN), the dwarf king of the Otherworld, who aids Huon de Bordeaux in his adventures. Granting Huon the right to summon him in the time of danger, Oberon finally brings about the restoration of Huon's rights and promises him the inheritance of his fairy kingdom.
Gawdis (goh-DEE), the amir of Babylon.
Claramond (klah-rah-MOHN), Gawdis' lovely daughter, won by Huon de Bordeaux.
Gerames (zhay-RAHM), a hermit and loyal follower of Huon de Bordeaux.
The Abbot of Cluny (klew-NEE), the uncle of Huon de Bordeaux.
Earl Amaury (ah-moh-REE), the evil adviser to Charlot and the cause of his own and Charlot's death at the hand of Huon de Bordeaux.
Duke Naymes (nehm), the wise adviser to King Charlemagne and a well-wisher of Huon de Bordeaux.