Chaitivel

There was a lady who lived in a city in Nantes in Brittany. The is titled Le Chaitivel, "the unhappy one," or more commonly known as Les Quatre Deuls, "the four sorrows." She was particularly beautiful, educated, and noble, and because of this, she had suitors throughout the land, none of whom she was willing to commit to. Marie warns that a lady loved by too many men is dangerous, because the one who does not get what he wants will strike back.

There were four brave knights (maybe somehow connected with the four sorrows) who all wish to marry the girl. They willingly perform various brave deeds to win her heart, which is characteristic of the chivalrous attitude of this time period, which is also a theme among Marie de France's lais. The girl leads them on to believe their efforts individually are putting them ahead of the other knights. Throughout their valorous acts, three end up dead and one seriously wounded. The girl realizes her selfishness was the cause of all of this.

Selfish acts seem to be the downfall in all of Marie de France's lais. Most of the selfish acts being displayed are adulterous or one betraying another. Although, in this specific lai it is neither. The beautiful lady was not married therefore she was not committing adultery, and she was not betraying someone for her own selfish gains. However, she was being greedy and secretive when she led the knights on to believe they were fighting for her love, which would eventually end in three of their deaths.