but eventually is able to transcend the values and reputation of his former self. As the vavasour tells Erec, ôyou are very valiant and bold,ö while we are told of Beowulf that his ôname was known through the northö for similar qualities, (De Troyes, p. 45; Heaney, p. 3).
We see that bravery, honor, glory, generosity, loyalty, boasting, kinship, and protection of property are very important in the warrior societies depicted in these works. We see that in both society communities are tribal in nature and war among themselves continually. The customs and beliefs of each society revolve around those of the warrior society in which might makes right, so long as one fights with a certain degree of honor and bravery. In each society, earthly passion is continually at odds with heroism and the ethics of spirituality that are embodied in an established code of conduct. In the Arthurian Romances as well as Beowulf, we see that temporal passions are powerful driving forces of even the most heroic or brave knight. In ôYvainö or ôThe Knight With The Lion,ö we see that spectacular feats are mixed with courtly love and adventures. Yvain has made a promise to Laudine, and goes mad when he is reproached by this woman for failing to fulfill his obligations to her. He is befriends by a lion, cured of his madness, and rescues various unfortunate ladies. For instance, he rescues Lunette, who is to be burnt at the stake because of his desertion and it is this woman who reconciles him with Laudine. Lunette knows Yvain is heroic, loyal and true, ôSo now I will tell you the whole truth, and youÆll realize that you have never had and never will have a better friend than this knight,ö (De Troyes, p. 379). He finally becomes her husband, fulfilling his vows of fidelity and at least
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