ELIDUC and GUILLIADUN
by Burton Mrs. Harrison · from The Old-Fashioned Fairy Book
Adapted Version
A brave knight named Eli lived. He had a kind lady named Gilda. He loved her very much. But one day, he left his home. "I will come back," he said. "I promise." He sailed far away.
Eli came to a big city. The City King had a big problem. Bad men wanted to take his land. Eli helped the king. He was very brave. The people liked him very much.
The king had a daughter. Her name was Mia. She was very pretty. She liked Eli a lot. But Eli felt sad. He still loved Gilda back home.
Then a message came from home. "Come back!" said his king. "We need your help!" Eli wanted home. He missed Gilda. He said goodbye to Mia. She was very sad.
But Mia did not want him to go. She put on a long coat. She hid on his ship. The ship sailed. She showed her face. "I came with you," she said.
Then a big storm came. The wind was very loud. The waves were very big. Mia was so scared. She fell into a deep, deep sleep. No one could wake her up. Eli was very worried.
Eli was brave and strong. He took the ship through the storm. They got to land safe. But Mia still slept. Eli found a quiet house in woods. He put her on a soft bed. "Please wake up," he said. But she did not wake up. He had to go help his king.
Eli helped his king win the fight. The bad men went away. All were happy. Gilda came to see him. She smiled at him. But Eli looked sad. He thought of Mia, sleeping alone.
Gilda saw that Eli was sad. Each day, he went to woods. She wanted to help him. So she followed him one day. She found the quiet little house. Inside, she saw a girl sleeping. "Oh my," said Gilda.
Then a little weasel ran in. It had a small friend. The friend was sleeping too. The weasel ran out. It came back with a red flower. It put the flower on its friend. The friend woke up! The flower was magic!
Gilda picked up the flower. She looked at the sleeping girl. She felt kind and brave. She put the flower on Mia's lips. Mia opened her eyes! She sat up. "Where am I?" she asked. "You are safe," said Gilda.
Gilda took Mia to the palace. The queen was very kind to her. Mia told Gilda of her love. Gilda listened. Then she did a very kind thing. She gave Eli back his ring. "You can marry Mia," she said. "I will live in a quiet house." "I am happy to help."
Eli and Mia got married. There was a big party. All smiled and laughed. Gilda found peace in her home. She was happy too.
Be kind and help others. When kind, good things happen for all.
And so, all found happy endings.
Original Story
ELIDUC AND GUILLIADUN.
(From one of Marie's Lays.)
ELIDUC was a knight of Brittany who, through the cabals of enemies, fell under the displeasure of the king and was banished from his dominions. Sir Eliduc did not wish to forsake his country, still less did he wish to part with the fair Lady Guildeluec, to whom he was solemnly betrothed. But the king's order was law; and, taking a fond leave of his promised wife, while vowing ever to be faithful, Sir Eliduc called to him ten of the bravest of his followers, and set sail for the English coast. They had a short voyage with fair winds, landing at Totness, in Devonshire, and proceeded at once to Exeter. The King of Exeter was at that time plunged into a most distressful war with a neighboring province, to whose prince he had refused to marry his only daughter and heiress. Sir Eliduc offered his services to the king, which were gladly accepted. After a few days a battle was fought, in which Eliduc's knowledge of the art of war and his bravery, as well as that of his ten followers, helped to decide the fortunes of the King of Exeter, who had the satisfaction of seeing the foe put to flight. As a reward for his aid, the king made Eliduc the supreme commander of all his armies. Eliduc was the idol of the people, and soon the fair Princess Guilliadun fell in love with him, confiding to the king, her father, that she would have no other husband than this valiant stranger. The king thought he could do no better than secure such a noble successor to his throne, and sent his chamberlain to inform Eliduc of the honor in store for him. Eliduc was now in a sad plight. He thought of his absent Guildeluec, who was no doubt, even then, waiting and weeping for his return, and his heart grew heavy within him. On the other hand, the Princess Guilliadun was by far the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and her love for him was strong. To refuse her offered hand would bring down on him the fierce wrath of a great king, to whom no man said nay.
While Sir Eliduc was in this dilemma, a message came to him from his former master, the Breton king, ordering his immediate return to protect their country from invasion. All Sir Eliduc's love for his own land stirred within him. To defend her borders he was ready to sacrifice his present rank and wealth, and be a simple knight again. The image of his promised wife arose clear and bright before him, and he forgot the lovely Guilliadun, who, for a time, had so dazzled his imagination with her charms.
Laying down his sword before the sovereign, he resigned command of the Exeter troops, and, in spite of the king's rich offers and temptations, hurried to take ship for France. Among his attendants was a youth muffled in a long mantle, who, when they were fairly out at sea, revealed to the knight's astonished gaze the face and form of the wilful Guilliadun.
She had thus disguised herself to follow him, and now vowed that unless he took her to be his wife, she would die by her own fair hand. There was no time for discussion, for, at that moment, arose a mighty tempest which threatened to engulf the ship. In vain were the efforts of the sailors to manage the vessel, and all prepared for immediate death, as wind and waves beat furiously upon them. Suddenly, one of the sailors spoke up for the rest, and, in the hearing of Guilliadun, warned Sir Eliduc that Heaven was angry with him for carrying off the princess in disguise, when he was already promised in marriage to another woman. Guilliadun hearing these words, fell lifeless to the deck. She appeared so like a dead person that the crew offered to throw her overboard, but Eliduc, seizing an oar, struck down the sailor who had spoken, and, himself grasping the helm, drove the ship through foam and boiling waves safely to port. In a few hours he might hope to reach the court of his king; but what, meantime, should he do with the body of the unfortunate princess? In this emergency, he remembered that in a forest near by had once lived an aged hermit, in whose cell he might possibly leave the corpse of the princess, until he should be able to dispose of it in a style suited to her rank. He mounted his palfrey, took the body in his arms, rode to the hermit's retreat, and, gaining entrance to a little chapel, laid on a slab in the centre of it the unhappy Guilliadun. She was beautiful as ever, and looked like a waxen image. The knight, kneeling beside her, shed many bitter tears, and then, springing to his saddle, galloped off to place himself at the service of his king.
He found the affairs of his country in a bad way, but the mere mention of his name sufficed to inspire the Breton soldiers with new courage. Marching at the head of the king's troops, he led them to battle, and in a short time had put the foe to confusion and rout. Covered with glory, Eliduc rode back to receive the king's congratulations and thanks. There, among the ladies attending the queen, was his faithful Guildeluec; but when she came forward with open arms to greet him, a thought of the Lady Guilliadun, who had died for love of him, shot into his heart like an arrow. Guildeluec quickly saw that something was amiss; but, hiding the anguish she felt, she resolved to keep close watch upon her lover, and, if possible, discover the cause of his coldness.
For some days the court was given up to gaiety and festivals of all kinds. Guildeluec noticed that every day her knight would steal away to the forest and remain there for some hours, returning to the palace more melancholy than before. She set a little page to follow Eliduc, and the boy traced his master to a retreat all overgrown with trees, where the knight entered and was lost to sight.
Dismissing the boy with a piece of gold, the lady resolved herself to unravel the mystery. Wrapped in a long veil, she stole along the green alleys of the wood, and soon reached the little hermitage. Lifting up a curtain of closely woven vines which drooped before it, she entered the chapel door. There, on a bier richly hung with velvet, lay a young and lovely maiden, apparently dead, save that her cheeks bloomed like a new-blown rose. Guildeluec gazed for a while upon this sad sight, when a noise of approaching footsteps startled her, and she hid behind a tomb. The new-comer was none other than the brave knight Eliduc, who, casting himself on the ground beside the bier, gave way to bitter grief, calling the saints above to witness that he had been true to his pledge to Guildeluec, even to hastening to an untimely end the fair maiden before him. Guildeluec heard all, and understood what had taken his love from her. Just then a weasel, running from behind the altar, passed near the bier, which angered the knight, who, at one blow, struck the little animal dead upon the ground. When Eliduc had gone, the watching lady saw another weasel run up to his slaughtered companion, attempt to play with her, and on finding her without life, go away with every appearance of grief. Directly the weasel came back again, carrying a beautiful red flower from the wood, which was carefully inserted in the mouth of his companion. The effect was magical. Instantly, the dead weasel sprang up, dropped the flower, and scampered off with her happy little comrade.
Guildeluec stooped to pick up the fallen blossom. For a moment she hesitated, for her love for the knight was very great. Then she bent forward, and laid the stem of the flower between the rosy lips of the entranced Guilliadun. Immediately there were signs of life. The girl stirred, a blush came into her cheeks, and her lips parted. When her eyes opened, Guildeluec sighed and said, "Truly, never was there seen so fair a creature."
Guildeluec soon explained to the awakened princess where she was, and received her fervent thanks for delivery from so strange a spell. With many tears, Guilliadun confessed to her unknown friend her love for the knight Eliduc, and the way she had followed him from her father's court. Guildeluec heard her tale in silence, and when it was at an end, led her away from the hermitage to the palace, where the queen took the princess under her charge, and in the evening presented her with much pomp to the members of her court. When Eliduc saw Guilliadun alive and well, richly clad and lovelier than before, his heart rejoiced, but he turned away from her. Then came forward Guildeluec, who, with the queen's permission, released him from his pledge to her, and gave him back his ring, saying she had determined to retire to a convent and devote her days to holy works.
Guildeluec Reviving Guilliadun.
The queen then placed Guilliadun's hand in that of Eliduc. They were married with great rejoicings; but when the blessing was said over them by the priest, the knight fancied he heard a sigh breathed close in his ear. He looked around; there was no one in sight, save the group of nuns behind a grating, whose voices rose pure and clear in the strains of the bridal hymn.
Story DNA
Moral
True love and selflessness can lead to unexpected happiness and peace.
Plot Summary
Sir Eliduc, a banished knight, falls in love with Princess Guilliadun while serving a foreign king, despite being betrothed to Lady Guildeluec. When called back to his homeland, Guilliadun secretly follows him but appears to die at sea; Eliduc hides her body in a chapel. Upon his return, his betrothed, Guildeluec, discovers Guilliadun's body and, witnessing a magical weasel, revives her. In an act of profound selflessness, Guildeluec releases Eliduc from his vows, allowing him to marry Guilliadun, while she retires to a convent.
Themes
Emotional Arc
dilemma to resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Marie de France was one of the earliest known female French poets, writing in the Anglo-Norman dialect. Her Lays often explore themes of love, loyalty, and courtly romance within a medieval setting.
Plot Beats (13)
- Eliduc is banished from Brittany, leaving his betrothed Guildeluec, and sails to England.
- He serves the King of Exeter, helps win a war, and becomes a celebrated commander.
- Princess Guilliadun falls in love with Eliduc, creating a dilemma for him as he is already betrothed.
- Eliduc is recalled to Brittany to defend his homeland, choosing duty over the princess.
- Guilliadun disguises herself and follows Eliduc on his ship, revealing herself at sea.
- A storm arises, and a sailor blames Eliduc for taking Guilliadun, causing her to fall lifeless.
- Eliduc saves the ship, then secretly places Guilliadun's body in a hermit's chapel before returning to Brittany.
- Eliduc leads the Breton army to victory and is reunited with Guildeluec, but his heart is heavy with Guilliadun's memory.
- Guildeluec notices Eliduc's sadness and follows him to the chapel, discovering Guilliadun's body.
- Guildeluec observes a weasel revive its dead companion with a red flower.
- Guildeluec uses the flower to revive Guilliadun.
- Guildeluec brings Guilliadun to the palace, and then, with the queen's permission, releases Eliduc from his vow and gives him back his ring, announcing her intention to join a convent.
- Eliduc and Guilliadun are married, and Guildeluec finds peace in her new life.
Characters
Eliduc ★ protagonist
A knight of Brittany, likely of average height and a strong, athletic build from years of military training. His face would be weathered from travel and battle, but still handsome, reflecting his noble birth. He carries himself with the bearing of a seasoned warrior and commander.
Attire: Initially, the practical attire of a Breton knight, perhaps a tunic of sturdy wool or linen, hose, and leather boots. When serving the King of Exeter, he would wear more elaborate courtly attire, possibly a rich tunic of embroidered silk or velvet, a finely woven belt, and a cloak, but always with his sword at his side. His armor would be typical of 12th-century European knights, likely chainmail with a surcoat.
Wants: To serve his king and country, to be true to his betrothed, and to maintain his honor.
Flaw: His susceptibility to Guilliadun's beauty and love, which causes him to waver in his loyalty to Guildeluec and his vows.
Starts as a loyal and honorable knight, becomes conflicted by a new love, and ultimately returns to his original love after a period of intense moral struggle, eventually marrying Guilliadun after Guildeluec releases him.
Honorable, valiant, conflicted, loyal, and somewhat susceptible to beauty. He is driven by duty and love but struggles when these conflict.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult male knight, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, square jaw, dark brown hair cut short, and determined brown eyes. He wears a chainmail hauberk over a padded gambeson, a deep blue surcoat emblazoned with a simple silver lion rampant, and sturdy leather boots. A broad leather belt with a plain buckle holds a sheathed longsword at his hip. His expression is serious, with a hint of internal conflict. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Guildeluec ◆ supporting
A fair lady of Brittany, likely slender and graceful, with a gentle demeanor. Her beauty is more subtle and enduring than Guilliadun's, characterized by kindness and inner strength.
Attire: Elegant but modest attire befitting a noblewoman of 12th-century Brittany. This would include a long, flowing bliaut (tunic) made of fine linen or silk, possibly in soft, natural colors like cream, pale blue, or forest green, worn over an underdress. She would wear a wimple or veil covering her hair, and perhaps a simple circlet or ribbon. Her clothing would be well-made but not ostentatious.
Wants: To be reunited with Eliduc, to understand his sorrow, and ultimately, to ensure his happiness even at her own expense.
Flaw: Her deep love for Eliduc, which initially causes her anguish but ultimately leads to her profound act of self-sacrifice.
Begins as a faithful betrothed, becomes suspicious and heartbroken by Eliduc's coldness, then transforms into a compassionate savior who ultimately chooses a religious life for the happiness of others.
Loyal, observant, compassionate, self-sacrificing, and intelligent. She is capable of great emotional depth and decisive action.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has an oval face, kind blue eyes, and long, light brown hair partially covered by a cream linen wimple and veil. She wears a flowing pale green bliaut made of fine linen, with long sleeves and a simple, round neckline. Her posture is graceful and serene, with a gentle, compassionate expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Guilliadun ◆ supporting
The beautiful princess of Exeter, described as 'the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.' She is likely fair-skinned, with delicate features and a captivating presence. Her build would be slender and elegant, befitting royalty.
Attire: Initially, the rich and elaborate gowns of a princess, made of fine silks and brocades in vibrant colors, possibly adorned with jewels. When disguised, she wears a long, dark, heavy wool mantle to conceal her identity. After her revival, she is 'richly clad and lovelier than before,' suggesting even more opulent court attire, perhaps a deep crimson or sapphire blue gown with gold embroidery.
Wants: To marry Eliduc and be with him, driven by intense romantic love.
Flaw: Her impulsiveness and overwhelming love for Eliduc, which leads her to disguise herself and follow him, and to fall into a death-like state when she hears of his betrothal.
Starts as a beloved princess, falls deeply in love, nearly dies from heartbreak, is miraculously revived, and ultimately marries Eliduc after Guildeluec's sacrifice.
Passionate, willful, deeply in love, impulsive, and somewhat naive. She is driven by her emotions and her desire for Eliduc.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a heart-shaped face, large, expressive green eyes, and long, flowing golden blonde hair. She wears a rich, deep crimson silk gown with long, fitted sleeves and intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and hem. A delicate gold chain with a single pearl hangs around her neck. Her expression is one of gentle longing and beauty. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King of Exeter ○ minor
A monarch, likely of a robust build, showing the signs of age but still commanding respect. His appearance would reflect his status and the burdens of kingship.
Attire: Royal robes of the 12th century, likely rich fabrics like velvet or brocade in deep colors, possibly with fur trim. He would wear a crown or circlet and carry a scepter, signifying his authority.
Wants: To secure his kingdom, win the war, and find a suitable successor for his throne and daughter.
Flaw: His reliance on others for military success and his desire for a strong successor, which makes him somewhat blind to Eliduc's existing commitments.
Remains largely static, serving as a catalyst for Eliduc's dilemma.
Grateful, appreciative of military skill, and concerned for his kingdom's succession. He is a pragmatic ruler.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult male king, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a dignified, slightly weathered face with a neatly trimmed gray beard and mustache. He wears a rich, deep purple velvet tunic with gold embroidery, a heavy ermine-trimmed cloak, and a golden crown set with rubies. He holds a golden scepter in his right hand. His expression is one of regal authority and slight concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Breton King ○ minor
A monarch, likely of a similar age and stature to the King of Exeter, but perhaps with a more troubled or weary appearance due to the 'cabals of enemies' and 'invasion'.
Attire: Royal attire, but perhaps less ostentatious than the King of Exeter, reflecting the ongoing troubles of his kingdom. Sturdy, well-made royal garments in deep colors, possibly with a simple crown.
Wants: To protect his kingdom from invasion and restore order.
Flaw: His initial susceptibility to 'cabals of enemies' which led to Eliduc's banishment.
Remains static, serving as a plot device to bring Eliduc back to Brittany.
Initially susceptible to court intrigue, but ultimately pragmatic and reliant on his most capable knight.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult male king, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a noble, somewhat weary face with a dark, neatly trimmed beard and mustache, and dark hair with streaks of gray. He wears a deep blue wool tunic with silver embroidery, a simple gold circlet on his head, and a heavy cloak. His expression is serious and concerned. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
King of Exeter's Palace
A grand royal residence in Exeter, England, likely built of stone with large halls and chambers suitable for a king and his court. It would feature rich tapestries, perhaps heraldic banners, and a throne room where important decisions are made and honors bestowed. The atmosphere is initially one of war and distress, transitioning to celebration and intrigue.
Mood: Initially tense and war-torn, then celebratory and later filled with romantic dilemma and courtly intrigue.
Eliduc offers his services, is rewarded, and Princess Guilliadun falls in love with him here. Later, festivals are held, and Guilliadun is presented to the court after her revival.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand medieval English palace interior, perhaps a great hall, with high vaulted ceilings supported by carved stone pillars. Large arched windows let in diffused daylight, illuminating tapestries depicting battle scenes on the stone walls. A long wooden feasting table is set with pewter and trenchers, and a large stone hearth at one end glows with warm firelight. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Hermit's Chapel in the Forest
A small, secluded chapel deep within a dense forest, likely built of rough-hewn stone or timber, now abandoned by the hermit. It is overgrown with closely woven vines drooping before its entrance, giving it a hidden, ancient feel. Inside, it contains a simple slab or bier, suitable for laying a body, and perhaps an altar. The air is cool and still, with filtered light.
Mood: Eerie, sorrowful, mysterious, and later magical with a sense of hidden wonder.
Eliduc leaves Guilliadun's seemingly lifeless body here. Guildeluec discovers Guilliadun, witnesses Eliduc's grief, observes the weasels, and uses the red flower to revive Guilliadun.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, ancient, moss-covered stone chapel nestled deep within a dense, old-growth forest. Thick, dark green ivy and wild grapevines heavily drape over the chapel's arched wooden door and stone walls, almost obscuring it. Filtered, dappled sunlight penetrates the thick canopy of gnarled oak and beech trees, casting shifting patterns on the leaf-strewn forest floor. Inside, a simple stone slab rests in the center, dimly lit by the faint light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Breton Royal Court
The royal court of Brittany, likely a medieval castle or palace, similar in grandeur to Exeter but with distinct Breton architectural elements. It would feature stone walls, perhaps tapestries depicting Breton history or legends, and a bustling atmosphere of knights, ladies, and courtiers. The queen's presence suggests a refined, yet politically active, environment.
Mood: Initially urgent and war-focused, then celebratory, but with an underlying tension due to Eliduc's melancholy. Later, it becomes a place of resolution and new beginnings.
Eliduc returns to serve his king, Guildeluec observes his coldness, and later, she releases him from his pledge, leading to Eliduc and Guilliadun's wedding.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand medieval Breton castle interior, specifically a large, high-ceilinged hall with robust stone walls and tall, narrow arched windows. Rich, dark wooden beams support the ceiling, and colorful heraldic banners hang from the rafters. A long, polished oak table is laden with platters of food and goblets, surrounded by elegantly dressed courtiers. Warm torchlight flickers, casting long shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
