Le Couple Dom Juan Sganarelle

1170 and 1190, divested Arthurian legend of its role as history and made it the vehicle for chivalric values and courtly love. Unlike Wace, who had dealt with generations and reigns, Chrétien’s five romances each deal with the trials of a hero or a couple. Erec et Énide (c.1170), Cligès (c.1176), Le Chevalier de la charrette, Yvain (both 1171–81?) and Perceval, ou le Conte du Graal (c.1180–92?) reflect knightly ideals (social graces, valour, prowess) and a generally more positive view of conjugal love