Le Bel Inconnu

Beaujeu, Renaud de (1165–1230), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Sir Gingalain, known as Le Bel Inconnu (the Fair Unknown), is a figure from Arthurian legend, primarily featured in this late 12th-early 13th century romance by Renaud de Beaujeu. The work recounts the adventures of the knight Gingalain, the Fair Unknown, who is torn between the love of two women, la Pucelle a Blanches Mains (‘The Maid of the White Hands’) mistress of Ile d'Or (the Golden Isle), and Blonde Esmerée (‘The Fair and Radiant One’), Queen of Wales. As the son of Gawain and the fay Blanchemal, Gingalain grows up ignorant of his heritage until circumstances lead him to Arthur’s court to become a knight. His quests encompass the rescue of Blonde Esmerée, and the defeat of Malgier le Gris - an unwanted suitor to Pucelle. Although Gingalain intends to marry Pucelle, participation in a tournament held by King Arthur requires him to forfeit his love for her and enter into a political marriage with the newly crowned Queen of Wales. He subsequently learns of his father’s true identity as Gawain. Gingalain’s narrative, which features in Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, contributes to the Fair Unknown trope in medieval literature, influencing tales of knights like Gareth and Percival.

Author Details

Renaud de Beaujeu, also known as Renaut de Bâgé or de Baugé, adhering to the ancient spelling, was born in 1165 and died in 1230. He held the titles of seigneur de Saint-Trivier and de Cuisery. Renaud de Beaujeu was the third son of Renaud III, seigneur de Baugé from 1153 to 1180. His father died during conflicts with the lords of Beaujeu and the counts of Mâconnais over the Bresse region. His elder brother, Ulrich III, held the title of seigneur de Baugé from 1180 to 1220.

Renaud de Beaujeu is known among medieval scholars as the author of the verse romance “Le Bel Inconnu”. He also composed courtly poems, one of which is cited in Jean Renart’s “Guillaume de Dole” (c1456-1469). In this work, he is referred to as “Renaut de Baujieu, / De Rencien le bon chevalier” (verses 1451-1452).

“Le Bel Inconnu” is a poem from the Arthurian literary tradition, specifically belonging to the Matter of Britain. The work recounts the adventures of the knight Guingalain, the Fair Unknown, who is torn between the love of two women, la Pucelle a Blanches Mains (‘The Maid of the White Hands’) mistress of Ile d’Or (the Golden Isle), and Blonde Esmerée (‘The Fair and Radiant One’), Queen of Wales.

This narrative, which circulated throughout Europe (Germany, England, Italy), demonstrates a notably modern narrative concept. The story concludes without the hero marrying either woman, and the writer declares that the anticipated happy ending can only occur if the narrator (revealed as Renaud de Beaujeu), himself successfully wins the affections of the lady he loves. This open ending, lacking a definitive resolution, thereby participates in what Roger Dragonetti called “the aesthetics of the unfinished.”

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Kline, A. S.

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