Cligés

by Brian Edward Rise

The nephew of Gawain and hero of a romance by Chrétien de Troyes. He is the rightful heir to the throne of Constantinople but, upon the death of his father, the throne is usurped by a kinsman, Alis. Alis is married to Fénice but she and Cligés are in love. Despite this love, Fénice will not engage in an affair like Tristan and Iseult.

Cligés goes and makes his name at Arthur's court. Fénice then fakes her death and joins him. They live together until eventually marrying after Alis' death.

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