Cligés
The son of Alexander of Greece and Soredamors, nephew of Emperor Alis, and hero of Chrétien de Troyes' Cligés. Renowned for his prowess and loyalty, Cligés ultimately succeeded to the Byzantine throne alongside his beloved Fenice.
Introduction#
Cligés is the hero of Chrétien de Troyes’ romance of the same name. The son of Alexander of Greece and Soredamors, and the grandson of the Emperor of Greece and Constantinople, he inherits both the chivalric ideals of Arthur’s court and the imperial legacy of Byzantium.
Titles| Prince of Greece and Constantinople, later Emperor of Greece and Constantinople
Affiliations | Knight of the Round Table, House of Orkney (through his mother), Byzantine Imperial Family
Alternative Names | Cliges
Family and Early Life#
Although his story unfolds largely outside Britain, Cligés remains closely connected to the Arthurian world through his family, his service at Arthur’s court, and his friendship with the Knights of the Round Table.
In the tradition presented by Cligés, the young prince was born in Britain during his parents’ stay at Arthur’s court. His father, Alexander of Greece, died while Cligés was still a boy, entrusting his son with the charge to seek honour at Arthur’s court when he came of age.
Following Alexander’s death, Cligés was raised in Constantinople under the rule of his uncle Alis, who had inherited the imperial title after the death of their father.
Fenice#
When Alis travelled to Germany to marry Fenice, daughter of the Emperor of Germany, Cligés accompanied the imperial court. The young prince and Fenice fell in love at first sight.
Despite their mutual affection, Cligés remained loyal to his uncle. Fenice likewise refused to become another Isolde, insisting that her marriage to Alis should never be consummated. With the aid of her nurse Thessala, she secretly preserved her virginity while remaining outwardly the emperor’s wife.
Knightly Deeds#
Before travelling to Arthur’s court, Cligés distinguished himself in battle against the Duke of Saxony and his allies. He rescued Fenice from abductors, defeated several of Saxony’s champions in single combat, and won widespread admiration for his courage.
Although already celebrated as a warrior, Cligés wished to fulfil his father’s dying wish by proving himself among Arthur’s knights.
Arthur’s Court#
Cligés travelled to Britain and arrived in time for a great tournament near Oxford. Concealing his identity beneath different sets of armour on successive days, he defeated some of Arthur’s greatest champions, including Sagramore, Lancelot, and Perceval.
On the final day, he met Sir Gawain in combat. The contest proved so evenly matched that Arthur declared neither knight victorious.
When Cligés finally revealed his identity as Gawain’s nephew and Arthur’s great-nephew, he was warmly welcomed into the royal family. He remained at court for many months, travelling through Britain, France, and Normandy in search of adventure.
The Tower#
Returning to Constantinople, Cligés and Fenice realised they could no longer endure their separation. Following Fenice’s plan, Thessala prepared a potion that placed the empress into a death-like sleep.
After Fenice’s apparent burial, Cligés secretly rescued her from a specially constructed tomb designed by his faithful servant John. The lovers lived together in a hidden tower until they were eventually discovered by Bertrand.
Forced to flee, they sought Arthur’s assistance in reclaiming the empire.
Emperor of Constantinople#
Arthur prepared to support Cligés by force, but before war became necessary, Emperor Alis died.
Cligés and Fenice returned peacefully to Constantinople, where they were crowned emperor and empress, bringing both the romance and the imperial succession to a harmonious conclusion.
Literary Significance#
Cligés is often regarded as Chrétien de Troyes’ response to the legend of Tristan and Isolde. While the two romances share important themes, Cligés and Fenice consciously reject an adulterous relationship, striving instead to unite love with honour and legitimate marriage.
Through Cligés, Chrétien combines the ideals of Arthurian chivalry with the splendour of the Byzantine Empire, creating one of the most distinctive heroes in medieval Arthurian literature.
Sources#
Cligés | Chrétien de Troyes, late 12th century
