Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Animal Domestication in Tristan and Iseult
I found it very interesting that animals are significant creatures in the story of Tristan and Iseult. Horses are key figures in battle scenes, especially when Tristan fights the monster. Dogs also appear as domesticated companions. For example, Iseult asks Tristan to leave her his dog, Hodain, as a representation of their love. Not only do dogs play a role in seeking scents and hunting deer, but they are symbols of friendship or companionship. Can you guys find other examples of animal domestication or their roles in the story?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I agree, animals are highly valued. They almost become a part of a person. Just as in the Song of Roland, animals are given names and treated with importance. In one scene, I remember a man saying that if Tristan takes his dog he will take away all of his happiness.
Birds are also very important in Tristan and Iseult. For instance, the nightingale's song evokes Tristan and Iseult's love. Later Tristan mimics the sounds of white throats and skylarks as signal to Iseult, but at this point she rejects him because she thinks he is in love with the other Iseult.
I noticed another instance of animal domestication involving a dog that I found very interesting. When Tristan takes refuge in Wales, he is intrigued by Duke Gilain's beloved pet dog, Pticru. The multi-colored dog wears a fairy-bell around its neck that soothes and pleases his master. When Tristan defeats the giant, Urgin, he asks Gilain for the dog as a reward and gives him to Iseult as a gift. This instance further demonstrates the prevalence of domestic pets in the medieval tale.
Like in many medieval tales, animals are highly valued in the story of Tristan and Isuelt. I found dogs to be the most significant of the animals in the story. Tristan's dog Hodain represents true friendship. After Tristan and Isuelt venture into the woods, Hodain, instead of living in the lavish castle, ventures alone into the desolate woods in order to find his master. Also when Tristan pretends to be a fool, Hodain recognizes him while the rest of the town, even Isuelt, mocks him and perceives him to be a fool.
In this story, like others we have read, animals are held in very high regard. This is evident in Tristan's relationship with his dog. Their horses were also very close to them, and this was likely because they were considered battle companions.
Post a Comment