The edition of Van den vos Reynaerde with an English translation by two outstanding scholars makes it possible to compare the Dutch medieval poem and versions in other languages. Regrettably, the editors introduce the current state of research to an international audience only briefly. A much-discussed topic is known as the Cuwaert issue: it is completely unclear what ignited the anger of the fox so much that he ended up killing the hare. By comparing the Dutch story with the French source I will propose a solution. The answer has implications for the tenor of the story and the question whether Reynaert should be considered a rascal or a villain. - [Abstract]

Language: English

ISBN: 978-90-04-47200-6; DOI: 10.1163/9789004472013_012