43 pages • 1 hour read
Erec and Enide
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
256
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Camelot • Medieval
1170
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
Erec and Enide by Chrétien de Troyes centers on the knight Erec and his adventures after meeting and marrying a nobleman’s daughter, Enide. After initial bliss, Erec hears gossip suggesting his neglect of knightly duties due to his devotion to Enide. They embark on a journey, facing numerous trials and adversaries, which tests their love and loyalty. Ultimately, they return to King Arthur’s court, where Erec ascends to his father's throne. The book includes depictions of violence and forced marriages.
Adventurous
Romantic
Inspirational
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chrétien de Troyes' Erec and Enide offers a captivating blend of romance and adventure typical of Arthurian legends. Praise often highlights its intricate narrative and character depth, especially in exploring themes of love and chivalry. However, some critics find the plot occasionally meandering and the prose dense, which may challenge modern readers.
Who Should Read Erec and Enide?
Readers who enjoy medieval romance and chivalric adventures will appreciate Erec and Enide by Chrétien de Troyes. Fans of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Mabinogion will find its themes of courtly love, honor, and knightly quests engaging, as it explores human emotions and societal ideals in a historical context.
1,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Enide
Enide
A maiden of striking beauty and wisdom, who becomes Erec's devoted partner, accompanying him on quests and withstanding many trials to demonstrate her loyalty.
King Arthur
King Arthur
A model of ethical leadership and generosity, presiding over the Knights of the Round Table and instrumental in the coronation at the story's conclusion.
Guivret the Small
Guivret the Small
Initially challenges Erec but soon becomes his loyal ally, promising aid and tending to Erec's wounds through his sisters after a friendly reunion.
Count Galoain
Count Galoain
A count who becomes infatuated with Enide, leading to a conflict where his advances test her loyalty and result in a confrontation with Erec.
Count Oringle
Count Oringle
Encounters Erec and Enide during a critical moment, with intentions that challenge Enide's devotion, resulting in a significant turn of events.
256
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Camelot • Medieval
1170
Adult
15-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.