Reynard the Fox
Anthropomorphic trickster fox of medieval beast epics.
Reynard the Fox is the central character of a medieval literary cycle of allegorical fables from Dutch, English, French, and German traditions. The stories, first extant from the second half of the 12th century, feature an anthropomorphic red fox and trickster figure who deceives other animals for his own advantage. The cycle is considered a beast epic and a satire of political and religious institutions, as well as a parody of medieval literature such as courtly love stories and chansons de geste.
- Field
- Medieval literature, beast epic, satire
- Nationality
- European (originating in Lorraine folklore)
- Known for
- Trickster fox protagonist of allegorical fables; source of the French word 'renard' for fox
- First extant versions
- Second half of the 12th century
- Main antagonist
- Isengrim the Wolf (his uncle)
Lore & Background
Reynard the Fox appears first in the medieval Latin poem Ysengrimus, written around 1148–53 by the poet Nivardus, and later in Latin sequences by the preacher Odo of Cheriton. The first branch of the Old French Roman de Renart was written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, with a sequel in 1179. A Middle High German text, Reinhard Fuchs, dates to about 1180. The stories are largely concerned with Reynard's deceptions of other anthropomorphic animals, especially his uncle Isengrim the wolf, who is both his main enemy and victim. Reynard's principal castle, Maupertuis, serves as his refuge. Some tales feature his funeral, where enemies deliver insincere elegies, and Reynard's posthumous revenge. His wife Hermeline appears but plays little active role; in some versions she remarries when Reynard is thought dead.
Reader's Guide
The Reynard cycle is significant as a medieval beast epic that satirizes aristocracy, clergy, and legal institutions. The stories translate difficult laws into common language, allowing audiences to understand legal predicaments. The characters, based on the medieval hierarchy, often switch between human and animal form, with elite characters changing form and peasants remaining animal. The tales represent contemporary society, including structures like a noble court. Because of the popularity of the stories, 'renard' became the standard French word for 'fox', replacing the old word 'goupil'. The cycle's influence extends across Europe, with each retelling incorporating local details. The stories' moral ambiguity, conveyed through animal characters, made them accessible and enduring. There is debate about whether the tales relate directly to identifiable societal events, but a growing view sees implicit political statements. The Catholic Church used the preaching fox motif in church art as propaganda against the Lollards.
Did You Know?
- The name Reynard comes from Reginhard, meaning 'strong in counsel'.
- Reynard is consistently depicted as a red fox, without any color-changing abilities.
- The character of Reynard is thought to have originated in Lorraine folklore.
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