Story Summary
Discover the classic medieval chantefable Aucassin and Nicolette, a tale of forbidden love, daring escapes, and the enduring power of devotion across empires.
In the French city of Beaucaire, young Aucassin, son of Count Garin, was consumed by a love so profound it rendered him useless in battle. His heart belonged to Nicolette, a beautiful Saracen slave girl bought from the heathens. Desperate to break the match, the Count imprisoned Aucassin and ordered Nicolette locked in a high tower. However, Nicolette was resourceful; she escaped by knotting sheets together and fled into the dark forest. When Aucassin was eventually released to defend the city, he struck a deal with his father to see Nicolette for one moment. When the Count reneged, Aucassin rode into the woods to find her. They reunited in a bower Nicolette had built to test his devotion. Together, they fled across the sea to the bizarre land of Torelore, but their peace was short-lived when Saracen pirates captured them. Separated by the sea, Aucassin was washed back to Beaucaire, where he inherited his father's lands. Meanwhile, Nicolette was taken to Carthage, where she was recognized as the King’s long-lost daughter. Refusing a royal marriage, she disguised herself as a wandering minstrel and traveled back to Beaucaire. There, through song, she revealed her identity to Aucassin. The two were joyfully wed, proving that no wall, sea, or crown could keep true souls apart.
The Moral
True love transcends social status, religion, and distance, requiring both persistence and the courage to defy convention.
“I would rather be in Hell with my sweet lady whom I love so much, than in Heaven without her.”
Fun Fact
This story is famous for its 'Hell vs Heaven' speech, where Aucassin famously claims he would rather go to Hell to be with Nicolette and the world's great scholars than go to Heaven without her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Aucassin and Nicolette?
The story suggests that true love is a sovereign force that outweighs social rank or parental authority. It celebrates the idea that personal devotion and persistence are worth more than worldly inheritance or conventional rewards.
What makes Aucassin and Nicolette unique in literature?
It is the only known surviving example of a 'chantefable,' a medieval genre that alternates between sung verse and spoken prose. This hybrid format allowed performers to switch between narrative action and emotional musical expression.
Why was their love forbidden?
Aucassin was the heir to a powerful French count, while Nicolette was a Saracen slave girl of unknown origin. Despite her beauty and grace, her social status made her an unacceptable match for a noble in the eyes of his father.
What happens in the land of Torelore?
Torelore is a satirical 'topsy-turvy' land where gender roles are reversed; the King remains in bed after childbirth while the Queen leads the army. This comedic interlude highlights the couple's unconventional journey and challenges chivalric norms.
How does Nicolette prove her resourcefulness?
Nicolette is a highly proactive heroine; she escapes a locked tower, survives the forest alone, and later disguises herself as a traveling minstrel to cross the sea and find Aucassin after they are separated by pirates.
Does the story have a happy ending?
Yes, after Nicolette is revealed to be a princess of Carthage, she rejects her royal life to return to Aucassin. They reunite in Beaucaire, marry, and live as the city's rulers, fulfilling their quest for love.
