Introduction

Bisclavret is a lay (medieval narrative poem) written by Marie de France in the 12^th century. The lay recounts the story of a werewolf named Bisclavret unable to become human again because of his wife’s betrayal. The passage chosen from the lay narrates his eventual transformation back into a human at the end of the story.

Accompanying the passage, this exhibit will highlight three objects from the 13^th century: a page of an illustrated bible, the tomb effigy of a French baroness, and a manuscript depicting werewolves. Like Bisclavret, the story of the werewolves in the manuscript contemplates the nature of humanity, revealing a recurring philosophical theme in Marie’s time. To understand Marie’s thoughts on humanity in Bisclavret, the effigy and the bible offer insight into the common cultural and religious views of modesty and virtue held in 13^th century France.

Ultimately, this exhibit will demonstrate how Marie de France emphasises the werewolf’s humanity through his modesty by comparing his actions with a depiction of Adam and Eve’s exile from the garden of Eden from the same time period.