Les Prolongements Romanesques de la Matière Épique

Abstract

The theme of the prolongation of the epic and of the precise nature, definition and form of the vernacular epic in its prolongation over time is one to which the Société Rencesvals has returned repeatedly in its conference debates. In this plenary lecture, I concentrate on the prolongation of the vernacular epic in Italy. After addressing more general issues, such as the extent of creative originality as opposed to mere retelling in the so-called late epics, the varying chronological limits that can be set for the period of prolongation of the genre, and indeed what is meant by, what is included within, the Carolingian epic genre, I proceed to examine in detail how the Carolingian epic developed and changed in Italy from the late thirteenth century to the sixteenth century. The discussion focuses on changes in the characterisation and exploits of Roland and the mysterious case of the disappearance of William of Orange.