French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France

The French Mediaeval Romances is a collection of the earliest known, surviving Breton lai - short, rhymed chivalric tales of magic and love - probably composed in the late 12th century in the court of Henry II. She is also known for having translated Aesop’s Fables into Anglo-Norman French from Middle English.

The identity of Marie de France is not known, she signed her work simply, “Marie ai num, si sui de France,” or, My name is Mary, and I am from France.” Her work continues to be read and influence the romance genre 800 years later.