Héroïsme et fantaisie imaginative dans Elie de Saint-Gilles

Abstract

This article is a reevaluation of the relatively late chanson de geste Elie de Saint-Gilles, which I am preparing a new edition of. It studies how the author, while retaining to some extent the values and perspectives of traditional chansons de geste, nevertheless introduces many new elements, either by depicting quite original characters (like Galopin or Rosamonde) or by addressing political or sociological issues rarely confronted in earlier texts. This clever reworking of the parameters of the chanson de geste allows Elie de Saint-Gilles to stand out as a successful attempt to reinvigorate the epic genre at a time when other literary forms tend to occupy the main stage.