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Comparing Welsh and French retellings of Arthurian Tales

Determining the exact relationship between "Yvain (the Knight with the lion)" and "The Lady of the Fountain" continues to present scholars with some difficulty. Despite their similarities it is unlikely that either could be a direct translation of the other.* Each has something to say about the culture it was written in and for, and therefore each has unique qualities.

"The Lady of the Fountain" comes from a compilation of prosaic Welsh tales known collectively as "The Mabinogion". While Norman- French influence is apparent, the permeating mythology shows it as definitively Welsh. "Yvain" is Chretien de Troyes interpretation of the legend. It reflects medieval French society and as such is one of the first pieces composed for reading. Both pieces exemplify early romantic tradition with women playing far more prominent roles then was usual of the earlier epic genre.

In his introduction to "The Mabinogion" D.D.R. Owen writes:-
"Love then would seem to be the golden thread running through each romance".
In both tales a knight's quest for love is the central theme. In a culture which idealised heterosexual love female characters are ultimately necessary in order to tell the tale, so it is no surprise that they should have such a high profile in both narratives.
By examining women's roles I intend to discover what characteristics are specific to each narrative and the society in which it was composed.

The women in the Welsh tale "The Lady of the Fountain" are important in creating our overall impression of the tale and on a more technical level as plot devices. The composition itself takes the name of it's heroine, so the reader is unsurprised when the women take the centre stage.
Fran Doel writes in Moon worship is most evident in Luned (whose name translates as "moon") and her representational silver chalices, but it is also seen in the fountain and it's activation by water.* This harks back to ancient goddess worship and matriarchal society, and so the reader is more prepared to accept the female authority displayed throughout the story.
The countess is in full control of her domain, although she is willing to take advice from Luned and her other counsellors when important decisions need to be made. Gwenhwyfar is also in a position to assert her authority, and she does so almost immediately by rebuking Cei for his unnecessary rudeness towards Owein:-">Worlds of Arthur
"it were better that thou were hanged

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