Scholars working in Celtic and/or folklore studies continue to use evidence from Chrétien's romances to elucidate the origins and transmission of their material, whether lost or extant. In 1976 this topic seemed to be in decline among Chrétien scholars; however, psychoanalytic and anthropological approaches to issues of mythopoetics (see Ub and c) have signalled a return to earlier scholarship in interpreting Chrétien's romances, albeit in new theoretical contexts. The topic has certain affinities with studies of medieval orality.

Celtic Sources

Background

17 Golther, Wolfgang, ‘Zur Frage nach der Entstehung der bretonischen oder Artus-Epen,’ ZvL, 3 (1890), 211–19.

18 Nutt, Alfred Trüdner, Celtic and Mediaeval Romances, Popular Studies in Mythology, Romance and Folklore, 1 (London: Nutt, 1899).

19 Huet, G., ‘Le témoignage de Wace sur les “fables” arthuriennes,’ MA, 19 (1916), 234–49.

Compares with statements by Chrétien.

20 Bromwich, Rachel, ‘Dwy chwedl a thair rhamant,’ in Y Traddodiad rhyddiaith yn yr Oesau Canol, ed. Geraint Bowen (Llandysul: Gwasg Gomer, 1974), pp. 143–75. (XXVII.282)

21 Jones, Bedwyr Lewis, Arthur y Cymry/The Welsh Arthur (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1975). (XXVIII.321)

In Welsh and English.

22 Roberts, Brynley F., ‘Tales and Romances,’ in A Guide to Welsh Literature, ed. A. O. H. Jarman and Gwilym Rees Hughes, 2 vols (Swansea: Davies, 1976–79), vol. 1, pp. 203–43; rev. ed., 7 vols (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1992–98), vol. 1, pp. 203–43; repr. in Dc 17. (XXIX.299, XLV.305)