The flesh and blood woman of Medieval Europe was often viewed as an evil temptress, ready to lead men into folly, as Eve did to Adam in the Garden of Eden, according to a selection by Angela Jane Weisl in Violence Against Women in Medieval Texts. With their social status so diminished, it can be argued that they are the largest group of “others” of their era.
But Marie de France flouts and perhaps parodies these notions in many of her Lais. In her stories, central female characters are often revered for their beauty. Love-struck knights eagerly served and attended to them. Even the maiden character in Guigemar, is portrayed as wise, as it is she who sets aside extra food for Guigemar and who urges him and his lady to proclaim their love for each other.
A striking religion-based example of this contrast between the real perceptions of women and Marie de France's portrayals came in Yonec, when the lady tells the knight she will only love him if can prove he believes in God. He complies and recounts the Garden of Eden. In his version of the story, however, Eve is not faulted.
He says: “I do believe in the Creator who set us free from the sorrow in which our ancestor Adam put us by biting the bitter apple.”
The lady, it goes without saying, accepts his entreaties.
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