Tristrams Saga

Brother Robert | 13th century
Brother Robert, active during the first half of the thirteenth century, holds significance in the field of medieval literature for his translations, particularly his Norwegian translation of Thomas’s Tristan entitled Tristrams Saga. This translation, completed in 1226, is notable as the only complete version of the Thomas-branch of the Tristan legend. Brother Robert’s influence extended to Scandinavia, especially in Iceland, where his work impacted the production of a ballad called Tristram kvæði and a prose adaptation titled Saga of Tristram ok Ísodd.
Association with Other Translations Brother Robert’s name is also associated with the Norwegian translations of several other Arthurian works during the reign of King Hákon (1217-1263). These include Ívens saga and Percevals saga (based on Chrétien de Troyes’s Yvain and Perceval), Möttuls saga (a version of the fabliau Le Mantel mautaillié, also known as Le Lai du Cort Mantel, and The Ill-Fitting Mantle), and Strengleikar (a collection of twenty-one lais).
Nationality and Background Brother Robert’s nationality is unknown, but his name suggests Anglo-Norman origins. Given the ties with England during King Hákon’s reign, scholars speculate that Brother Robert may have been a cleric associated with Norwegian monasteries, such as Lyse or Hovedoya, which maintained close ties with England.
Importance and Transmission of Arthurian Material Brother Robert’s translations highlight the importance of King Hákon’s interest in French romance, contributing to the transmission of Arthurian material in Scandinavia. His work serves as a testament to the cultural exchange and literal connections between different regions during the medieval period.
Brother Robert’s translations, particularly Tristrams Saga, are valuable contributions to the medieval literary landscape, shedding light on the dissemination and adaption of Arthurian legends in Scandinavian literature during the thirteenth century.