Melusine

Abstract

Originating in a 1393 prose romance by Frenchman Jean d'Arras and adapted later that same year by the poet Coudrette, Melusine presents a hybrid historical/romance foundation text for the powerful and influential Lusignan family. Melusine, daughter of a fairy and a mortal, marries Raymondin the Count of Poitiers, and together they found the fortress of Lusignan. Their sons go on to spread the family name and win renown throughout Europe and the Middle East. Melusine and Raymondin prosper until Raymondin breaks his vow not to see her on a Saturday and discovers her half‐serpent form, the product of a curse. Because of his transgression, Melusine is fated to remain in her serpent's form until Judgment Day; whenever the fortress of Lusignan changes hands, she reappears as a portent. The legend of Melusine enjoyed widespread popularity throughout Continental Europe. Both French versions of the story were translated into Middle English around 1500.