BISCLAVERET
by Burton Mrs. Harrison · from The Old-Fashioned Fairy Book
Adapted Version
A kind baron named John lived. He lived in a big castle. Baron John married Lady Mary. She was a pretty lady. John went away three days each week. Lady Mary wondered, "Where does he go?"
Lady Mary asked John many times. "Tell me your secret," she said. John did not want to tell. But she asked and asked. "I am a wolf sometimes," John said. "I need my clothes to be a man."
Lady Mary was scared. She was angry too. She made a bad plan. She told a bad knight. "Take John's clothes," she said. "He must stay a wolf."
John came back. His clothes were not there! Lady Mary took them. John was very sad. He ran into the big forest. He was a wolf now.
Lady Mary told everyone. "John is gone," she said. "He is not here." She took his house. She took his money. She was happy.
One year passed. The King went hunting. He went to the forest. He saw a wolf there. The wolf was kind. He was very sad. He sat at the King's feet. He was like a gentle dog.
The King felt sorry. He took the wolf home. The wolf went to the castle. The wolf was gentle. He was very smart. He became the King's friend. He was a special friend.
One day, Lady Mary came. She came to the castle. The wolf saw her. He knew it was her. He barked very loud. He jumped at her. He pulled her fancy veil off. Everyone saw her face. She was very scared.
The King was surprised. He asked his Wise Man. "Why did the wolf do that? Why angry?"
The Wise Man thought for a moment. He said, "Lady Mary knows about John. Ask her."
Lady Mary was scared now. She told the King her secret. "John's clothes are hidden," she said. She told him where. She told the truth.
The King found the clothes. He put them in the wolf's room. The wolf saw his clothes. He put them on. Poof! He was Baron John again!
Baron John was so happy. He thanked the kind King. "You helped me," he said.
The bad wife lost her home. She lost her money. She had to leave the land. She went far away. She was all alone. Everyone knew she was bad. Baron John got his house back.
Baron John was happy again. The bad wife had to leave. She learned that being mean is never good. The King was fair. Good things happen to kind people.
Original Story
BISCLAVERET.
(From one of Marie's Lays.)
ONCE upon a time there lived in Brittany a baron who was handsome, wise, courteous, and brave. Although admired and beloved by his neighbors, he remained single until late in life, when he fell desperately in love with a young lady, who did not hesitate long in accepting the offer of so distinguished a suitor for her hand. They were married, and the bride returned from her honeymoon to take up her abode in her husband's fine castle.
For a little while all went well, until the lady discovered that her husband was regularly absent from home during three days of every week. Overwhelmed with curiosity to know where he went, and how he was occupied during this time, she used every means in her power to coax the secret from him.
"Do not ask me," said her kind lord; "rest assured that I have good reasons for my conduct. If you know what takes me from you, it will only be to hate and scorn your husband, and to ruin the happiness of our life."
The lady persisted, going from coaxings to prayers and tears. At last the poor baron gave way, and confided to her that, owing to a cruel spell cast on him at birth, he was during half the week a Bisclaveret, or Man-Wolf, taking on the body of a wolf, but keeping his own feelings and intelligence as a man. Upon hearing this dreadful story, the lady fainted away. Henceforth, although her husband was more loving than ever, she was filled with horror and loathing of him; and soon she secretly resolved to destroy the monster and enjoy his wealth.
By watching his movements she ascertained that when the baron became a wolf he left his clothing in a deserted chapel on the edge of a certain wood; and she formed a plan to seize and hide the garments. So long as the Bisclaveret was without his man's clothes, he was condemned to remain a brute.
Accordingly, when, after his melancholy ramble through the woods, the Bisclaveret went one night to resume his clothes, they were gone; and, in agony of spirit, he knew that he was betrayed by his wife. He took himself off to the forest, and was there lost to human sight.
Meanwhile the wicked wife, announcing that her husband had died while on a journey to some foreign land, enjoyed his wealth and his castle. A year later, the king went hunting in the forest, and, after a stout chase, had nearly run down the unhappy Bisclaveret, when that persecuted beast, bounding from his thicket, fawned upon the king's feet, shedding real tears and uttering almost human cries for mercy. The king, struck with compassion, ordered his dogs to be whipped off, and had the strange animal conveyed with care to his palace. Bisclaveret soon became the royal favorite. He slept on a couch of soft furs, ate from a golden dish, and returned with gratitude the caresses of all who noticed him.
His gentleness and sagacity won for the man-wolf the right to roam wherever he desired to go, unchained. One day the king gave a splendid entertainment, to which were invited all the lords and ladies of the land. Among them, dressed in silks and satins, and sparkling with jewels, came the false wife. No sooner did Bisclaveret espy her chatting with the king's guests, than, to the surprise of all present, the usually mild creature rose up, growling horribly and, springing upon the lady, bit off her nose. Bisclaveret was seized, and would have been speedily killed, but that he again fawned upon the king's feet, moaning and weeping as though he longed to speak. The king ordered him to be put into a cage, and consulted with the oldest and wisest man in his kingdom, as to what could be the meaning of the wolf's sudden fury toward this lady.
"Brittany is a land of wonders, sire," said the aged man. "The lady who was attacked is as well known for a bad name as your favorite animal is for a good one. Who knows what became of her late husband, the baron? Perhaps this poor brute was beloved by that gentleman, and has some secret wrong to avenge. At any rate, you should at once shut the lady in prison until she is made to tell all she knows about the matter. Mayhap it is more than we suspect."
The king followed his counsellor's advice; and, when the lady found herself likely to be kept a prisoner, she preferred speech to silence. With tears of professed penitence, she confessed all, and the king lost no time in sending for the clothes of the late baron, and placing them in the cage of Bisclaveret. At first the animal seemed indifferent, and surveyed them listlessly. "Leave him to himself, sire," said the wise man. "Above all, set him at liberty in a chamber suitable to his rank. Then we shall see a wonderful change, I promise you."
This was done, and in the morning the king ran impatiently to the chamber of Bisclaveret. There, on the bed, dressed in his clothes and sleeping sweetly, lay the baron. When his royal master entered, the sleeper woke and, bending his knee before his sovereign, poured forth his joy and gratitude.
As for the wicked wife, her estates were taken from her and restored to her husband, while she herself was sent into perpetual banishment. Most people would think she had been sufficiently punished by the loss of her nose, which never grew again!
Story DNA
Moral
Betrayal and cruelty, especially towards those you claim to love, will inevitably lead to your own downfall and suffering.
Plot Summary
A Breton baron, secretly a man-wolf (Bisclaveret) for three days a week, is betrayed by his horrified wife who steals his clothes, condemning him to remain a wolf. After a year in the forest, the king discovers the gentle man-wolf and brings him to court. During a feast, the wolf attacks his former wife, prompting the king's wise counselor to uncover the truth. The wife confesses, the baron's clothes are returned, and he transforms back, reclaiming his life while his wicked wife is banished and permanently disfigured.
Themes
Emotional Arc
betrayal to despair to vindication
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Marie de France was one of the earliest known female French poets, writing in the Anglo-Norman dialect in the late 12th century. Her 'Lays' are short narrative poems, often dealing with themes of love, chivalry, and the supernatural, reflecting medieval courtly culture.
Plot Beats (14)
- A noble Breton baron marries a lady, who soon becomes curious about his three-day weekly absences.
- Despite his warnings, the wife coaxes the secret from him: he is a Bisclaveret (man-wolf) and must hide his clothes to transform back.
- Horrified and disgusted, the wife plots with a knight to steal his clothes, condemning him to remain a wolf.
- The Bisclaveret returns to find his clothes gone, realizing his wife's betrayal, and flees into the forest.
- The wicked wife announces her husband's death and enjoys his wealth.
- A year later, the king hunts in the forest and encounters the Bisclaveret, who fawns at his feet, begging for mercy.
- Moved by compassion, the king takes the man-wolf to his palace, where he becomes a gentle and sagacious royal favorite.
- During a royal entertainment, the Bisclaveret recognizes his former wife among the guests and violently attacks her, biting off her nose.
- The king, perplexed, consults his wise counselor about the wolf's unusual aggression towards the lady.
- The counselor suggests that the lady might be connected to the baron's disappearance and advises her imprisonment.
- Under duress, the wife confesses her treachery, revealing where the baron's clothes are hidden.
- The king retrieves the clothes and places them in the Bisclaveret's chamber, where he transforms back into the baron.
- The baron expresses his joy and gratitude to the king.
- The wicked wife is banished, her estates are restored to the baron, and she remains permanently disfigured by the loss of her nose.
Characters
The Baron (Bisclaveret) ★ protagonist
A man of Brittany, handsome and well-built in his human form. As a Bisclaveret, he takes on the body of a wolf, retaining his human intelligence and feelings. This wolf form is described as a 'persecuted beast' but also capable of fawning and expressing human-like sorrow.
Attire: As a baron, he would wear the fine, practical clothing of a medieval Breton nobleman: likely tunics, breeches, and cloaks made of wool or linen, possibly with some fur trim for warmth and status. When transformed, he sheds these clothes.
Wants: To live a normal, happy life with his wife despite his curse; later, to survive and regain his human form and justice.
Flaw: His trusting nature, which leads him to reveal his secret to his treacherous wife.
Begins as a respected baron burdened by a secret, is betrayed and forced to live as a wild animal, then through his innate goodness, he gains the king's favor, exposes his wife's treachery, and is restored to his human form and status.
Wise, courteous, brave, loving, trusting (initially), compassionate, grateful, and capable of fierce loyalty and righteous anger.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome adult man of Breton ethnicity, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has short, dark brown hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and kind, intelligent dark eyes. He wears a deep forest-green wool tunic with simple leather trim, dark brown breeches, and sturdy leather boots. A plain, heavy grey wool cloak is draped over his shoulders. He has a thoughtful, slightly melancholic expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Baron's Wife ⚔ antagonist
A young lady of Brittany, initially admired for her beauty. After her punishment, she is disfigured by the loss of her nose.
Attire: As a baroness, she would wear fashionable and expensive medieval Breton clothing, described as 'silks and satins, and sparkling with jewels' when she attends the king's entertainment. This would include a long gown (cotte or bliaut) with a surcote, possibly with elaborate sleeves, and a wimple or veil.
Wants: To satisfy her curiosity, then to rid herself of her 'monster' husband and enjoy his wealth and castle freely.
Flaw: Her overwhelming curiosity, her revulsion towards her husband's true nature, and her greed.
Begins as a seemingly loving wife, becomes a treacherous villain, enjoys ill-gotten wealth, is exposed and disfigured, and ends in perpetual banishment.
Curious, persistent, deceitful, cruel, greedy, ungrateful, treacherous, and self-serving.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman of Breton ethnicity, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, dark brown hair styled in elaborate braids, pulled back from a pale, oval face. Her dark eyes are narrow and calculating. She wears a rich, deep crimson silk gown with long, flowing sleeves, embroidered with gold thread at the neckline and cuffs. A delicate gold chain with a single large emerald hangs around her neck. She has a subtle, self-satisfied smirk. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A monarch of Brittany, described as compassionate and wise in his judgments.
Attire: Royal attire of a medieval Breton king: rich tunics, cloaks, and possibly a crown or circlet, made of fine fabrics like velvet or silk, adorned with embroidery and jewels.
Wants: To rule his kingdom justly, to understand mysteries, and to ensure fairness.
Flaw: Initially, he is puzzled by the wolf's behavior and needs counsel.
Remains a just and wise ruler, whose actions lead to the restoration of the Baron and the punishment of his wife.
Compassionate, just, wise (especially when advised), observant, and decisive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature adult man of Breton ethnicity, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a short, well-maintained grey beard and kind, discerning blue eyes. He wears a long, deep blue velvet tunic with a gold embroidered trim, a heavy crimson wool cloak fastened with a silver brooch, and dark leather boots. A simple gold circlet rests on his head. He holds a short, ornate silver scepter in his right hand. He has a benevolent and thoughtful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Wise Man ◆ supporting
An aged man, described as the 'oldest and wisest man in his kingdom.'
Attire: Simple, scholarly robes appropriate for a medieval counsellor, perhaps made of dark wool or linen, suggesting wisdom over ostentation.
Wants: To provide sound counsel to the King and uncover the truth.
Flaw: None apparent in the story.
Remains a consistent source of wisdom, guiding the King to the correct resolution.
Wise, observant, insightful, and sagacious.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man of Breton ethnicity, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a very long, flowing white beard and long white hair, with deep-set, intelligent grey eyes. His face is lined with age. He wears a simple, dark grey wool tunic with a hood, and a plain brown leather belt. His hands are clasped in front of him. He has a calm, knowing expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Baron's Castle
A fine, presumably Norman or early Gothic style castle in Brittany, with living quarters for a baron and his wife. It contains private chambers where intimate conversations occur and where the wife later enjoys her ill-gotten wealth.
Mood: Initially warm and loving, then becomes tense and filled with dread, later opulent but tainted by deceit.
The baron and his wife live here; the wife discovers his secret and plots his betrayal; she later enjoys his wealth here.
Image Prompt & Upload
An interior view of a medieval Breton castle's private chamber, with rough-hewn stone walls and a large, carved wooden bed. A heavy tapestry hangs on one wall, depicting a hunting scene. Soft, filtered daylight streams through a narrow, arched window, illuminating dust motes in the cool air. A simple, sturdy wooden chest sits at the foot of the bed. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Deserted Chapel on the Edge of the Wood
A small, abandoned chapel located at the boundary between human civilization and the wild forest. It serves as the secret place where the Bisclaveret leaves his human clothes before transforming.
Mood: Eerie, desolate, secretive, vulnerable.
The baron leaves his clothes here during his transformation; his wife steals them from this location, trapping him as a wolf.
Image Prompt & Upload
A crumbling, moss-covered stone chapel, partially overgrown with ivy, stands at the dark edge of a dense, ancient Breton forest. Twisted, gnarled oak trees with thick canopies loom behind it, casting deep shadows. The chapel's wooden door is missing, revealing a dark, empty interior. Moonlight filters weakly through the branches, creating a dappled, eerie light on the forest floor and the chapel's weathered stones. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Forest
A vast, wild forest in Brittany, serving as the Bisclaveret's refuge and hunting ground after his betrayal. It's a place of both danger and natural existence.
Mood: Wild, untamed, lonely, dangerous, but also a place of refuge.
The Bisclaveret lives here as a wolf for a year; the king hunts here and discovers the man-wolf.
Image Prompt & Upload
A deep, ancient Breton forest, with towering, gnarled oak trees and slender birches forming a dense canopy overhead. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow on the rich, earthy forest floor, which is covered in fallen leaves, moss, and ferns. A winding, barely visible game trail disappears into the thick undergrowth. The air is cool and smells of damp earth and pine. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Palace
A grand royal palace, likely in a Norman or early Gothic style, with opulent chambers, a great hall for entertainments, and secure areas like a cage or a private chamber for a favored animal.
Mood: Regal, bustling, later tense and investigative, finally triumphant.
The Bisclaveret becomes the king's favorite; the false wife is attacked here during a feast; the baron is restored to human form here.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent great hall within a medieval Breton king's palace, with soaring arched ceilings supported by massive stone pillars. Large, ornate tapestries depicting historical battles hang on the walls. Sunlight streams through tall, stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished stone floor where a grand feast is being held. Long wooden tables are laden with food, and nobles in rich attire mingle. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
