Lais

Lais is a collection of twelve short narrative poems written in Anglo-Norman French by Marie de France in the 12th century. These medieval tales of love, chivalry, and the supernatural blend Celtic folklore with courtly romance. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, transformation, and destiny permeate the stories, which include such classics as “Lanval” and “Yonec.” With poetic elegance and moral nuance, Marie de France crafts deeply human stories that explore both the trials and triumphs of love. The Lais remain foundational texts in medieval literature and early feminist literary studies.