Favorite Medieval Tales
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Authors
Osborne, Mary Pope
Issue Date
1999
Type
Book, Whole
Language
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Abstract
This large-format paperback collection of nine stories from medieval tradition includes Chanticleer and the Fox (67). The version is enhanced by a colored title-page and a full-page colored illustration of Chanticleer and the fox. The version is true to Chaucer except for a couple of specifics. For one, Chanticleer's conversation with Pertelote happens one day, and it is only on the next day that he encounters the fox just after his morning singing. In this version, Chanticleer recognizes the fox and is overcome with terror because of his dream. Next, the fox does not specify the things that made Chanticleer's father so great a singer, namely, that he stood on tiptoe, extended his neck, and shut his eyes. Next, this version has Chanticleer beat his wings with pleasure over the fox's flattery and adds Alas, many a lord prefers a false flatterer to one who speaks the truth (71). Chanticleer then does those three things on his own initiative. Finally, this version gives the fox the last word: And he who jabbers should hold his peace. The other stories include Finn MacCoul; Beowulf, The Sword in the Stone; Island of the Lost Children; The Song of Roland; The Werewolf; Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; and Robin Hood and His Merry Men.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Scholastic