Fergus of Galloway: Knight of King Arthur

by Guillaume le Clerc, D.D.R. Owen (Translator)

Since its composition around 1200, Scotland's own Arthurian romance has been overshadowed by the more popular Arthurian legends, such as the grail quests of Perceval and Galahad and the love of Lancelot for Queen Guenevere. Indeed, the story of Fergus, one of Arthur's knights, has been known only to a few, for it was written in Old French and this has prevented its proper recognition as part of the Scottish literary heritage. IN Fergus of Galloway, Guillaume le Clerc succeeds in combining a unique Scottish setting, the classic themes and conventions of Arthurian romance - many of which would be familiar to his audience through the works of Chrétian de Troyes and his successors - with a highly individual tone of parody and witty comment. Through Professor Owen's eloquent and lively translation, this exciting and hitherto much undervalued work is now available for a wider audience to appreciate.

Professor Owen's introduction outlines the literary techniques employed in Fergus of Galloway and discusses the significance of Guillaume's achievement in the context of other Arthurian romances. Detailed notes help the reader gain a closer understanding of the poet's technique and two appendices contain much useful background information: the first provides a translation of the principal episodes in the Perceval Continuations used in Fergus of Galloway and in the second a new theory on the possible identity of Guillaume is published for the first time.

Fergus of Galloway, an intriguing companion volume to Chrétian de Troyes' Arthurian Romances, is essential reading for students of Arthurian romance and for anyone interested in Scottish literary history.

Cover Illustration: A nineteenth-century engraving of Dunnotter Castle near Stonehaven, by J.C. Varrall

Genres: Arthurian

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1200

About the author

Guillaume le Clerc was the author of the thirteenth century chivalric romance, Fergus of Galloway. His identity is uncertain. D.D.R. Owen has suggested that he may have been William Malveisin, a royal clerk who rose to become Archdeacon of Lothian by 1193 Chancellor of Scotland and Bishop of Glasgow between 1199/1200 and 1202 and Bishop of St. Andrews in 1202, during the reign of William the Lion.

Reviews

[Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.D.R. Owen’s translation of Guillaume le Clerc’s ‘Fergus’ (c.1200) is an enjoyable chivalric romp, even if the accounts of the hero’s feats of valour become rather repetitive. There is a lot of subversive humour. Guillaume clearly had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he was writing the tale. Owen suggests that Guillaume was William Malveisin, a royal clerk who rose to become Chancellor of Scotland and Bishop of St. Andrews during the reign of William the Lion. The story appears to reflect the centre of gravity of the Kingdom of Scotland at that time. Much of the action is set in the Borders – in and around Melrose, Roxburgh and Jedburgh. Owen believes that the heroine and love interest, Galiene Princess of Lothian, was inspired by Galiena de Mowbray, wife of Philip de Mowbray, Constable of Edinburgh and an intimate and counsellor of William the Lion.

[Tom Fordham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is brilliant Arthurian romp that has everything you need, chivalry, laments, battles, dragons, hags - and magical dwarves! Guillaume's seemingly forgotten epic was a delight to read. Fergus is a mixture of both Gawain and Perceval that is also ridiculously powerful character. It can be challenging to read at times, the flowery medieval language and singular text with no chapters can make it difficult to pick up from where you left off. However once you get into it it grabs you with all the turmoil of a chivalrous romance and adventure. Plus, I loved that Fergus was decended from a Norse-Gael, definitely added a historically inspired element to the story. I'd recommend it to fans of Arthuriana.

[Amy MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I’m getting from this is that boys have been into superheroes for a very long time

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice sort of 12thC pastiche of famous Arthurian romances. I suppose I ought to read the Middle Dutch version too.