Introduction

Haveloc is preserved in two manuscripts: (i) H: London, College of Arms, Arundel XIV; (ii) P: Cologny-Genève, Bibliotheca Bodmeriana, Codex Bodmer 82. Our translation is based on P, as edited in our book The Anglo-Norman Lay of Haveloc (pp. 113–37). At 1,107 lines in H and 1,099 lines in P, Haveloc is the longest lay in our collection.

The setting of the lay alternates between Denmark and the East of England. King Arthur sails to Denmark in order to subjugate the land and exact a tribute from King Gunter, Haveloc's father. In the ensuing battle, Gunter is slain and his lands are given by Arthur to an unpopular usurper named Odulf. One of Gunter's vassals named Grim sets sail for England with his wife and Haveloc, but on the way the ship is attacked by pirates and Haveloc's mother is killed. In England Grim founds Grimsby and brings up Haveloc as his own child. But in due course he decides that Haveloc, who is not aware of his royal birth, should broaden his horizons by serving in a king's court. Haveloc makes his way to the court of the petty king Edelsi, who rules Lincoln, Lindsey and the surrounding areas. Haveloc is employed there as a scullion and displays great strength and skill in wrestling. At court he is known by the name Cuarant. Edelsi has a sister named Orwein who is married to a local king called Achebrit. The latter falls ill, but before he dies he asks Edelsi to look after his daughter Argentille and her lands and in due course to marry her off to the strongest man in the kingdom. The time comes for her to marry, but not wanting to lose control over her lands Edelsi marries her to Haveloc/Cuarant, whose immense strength qualifies him for her hand. The couple leave court and travel to Grimsby, where Haveloc discovers his true name and also that he is of royal birth and heir to Denmark. With the help of his father's former seneschal, Haveloc wins back his lands and subsequently returns to England, where he defeats Edelsi and thereby rules over Denmark and the lands belonging to his wife.