Peleus was a powerful king who also was very worthy, sage and courtly. His dominion extended across Greece and he ruled a very large part of the realm. He held his land freely, in great peace and wisely. This king had a brother, son of the same father and mother, who was called Aeson. I do not know whether he was king, count or duke of the city of Peloponnesus, for Dares's Book does not tell me anything more about him. This Aeson had a son named Jason, who, as I find it, was very handsome, worthy and intelligent. He was very strong and powerful, and known throughout many a realm. Being very courtly, noble and honourable, he was greatly loved by all. He conducted himself in a very noble fashion and was very fond of fame and largesse. He was very highly regarded and had achieved so much since his youth that his name was widely known throughout many lands and regions. (715–40)

When King Peleus saw Jason's ever-increasing rise and his celebrity that grew daily, he became anxious and began to fear that his nephew might grow and rise so high that he would drive him out of his own land. He was afraid that, if Jason lived long, he would leave nothing to his uncle. Peleus profoundly feared being ousted from his kingdom, for if Jason should decide to attempt this he could easily drive him away completely. Peleus harboured very treacherous feelings towards Jason. All he could think of was how he might plot and contrive to destroy his nephew, so as to keep his lands from him and prevent him from doing him any harm. Peleus made every effort to deceive Jason, although he kept his thoughts very much to himself, showing his nephew no sign of his intentions. During this time, as I find in my reading, a great marvel appeared on the island of Colcos in the sea; that is how I heard the place named not long ago. As is well known, there was a sheep there with a fleece all of gold.

First Battle

The Greeks had planned for a long time and frequently prepared to go and lay siege to Troy by night, but they could not find the opportunity they wanted or the means to do so. They greatly feared how they would land there, for they could not avoid the need to go on board their ships in order to draw nearer to the city, nor was it easy for them to dock or to get on land in the face of men bent on defending it. They were uncertain as to how they would disembark, as they greatly feared misfortune. They had been perplexed about this for a long time, having taken and given much advice on the matter. One day the barons assembled for this purpose and discussed it. I cannot say or report in full what course of action each one recommended, but you can hear what Palamedes said about it in what follows. His words were well received, for everyone placed great trust in his intelligence. ‘My lords’, he said, ‘you can suffer great dishonour by this delay. A year, I believe, has passed since you arrived here, but you have not yet laid eyes on Troy. During this time a large number of troops have arrived there who will defend it against you with all their might and main. They have succeeded in constructing numerous palisades, barriers and ditches and have had ample time to reinforce them and to seek help. They think, apparently, that we do not dare advance. Do you presume to surprise them? It is no use thinking of doing that, for you will never besiege them until you have engaged them in combat. This is unavoidable, whatever may be the result. The longer you delay, the greater the harm you will incur. They feared you more before now than they will for a long time to come. Who advised you to allow them to feel confident, get reinforcements and seek aid? If the fleet had gone straight to the city, I am sure that there would have been no great opposition when we arrived. For that missed opportunity I know of no advice that I can offer. But on the morrow, without further delay, let us make our ships ready.

Solomon teaches us and tells us, and one reads this in his writings, that no one should hide what he knows. Rather one should make it public so that it becomes profitable and honourable, for this is what our ancestors did. If those who invented the division of the seven arts and wrote great books about them had remained silent, as well as the philosophers who composed treatises that provide instruction for everyone, we would truly now be leading foolish lives and living like beasts. We would not even be able to distinguish between knowledge and folly, nor differentiate among them. These men will always be remembered and renowned for their great learning, for knowledge that is not made known is quickly forgotten and lost. Whoever possesses learning, but does not teach or communicate what he knows, cannot fail to be forgotten. Knowledge that is communicated germinates, flowers and bears fruit. You should be aware that things often improve for whoever desires to learn and makes an effort to do so. No one can hear, know or remember too much that is good. Nor should anyone hesitate to do or teach what is good. Whoever is more knowledgeable should achieve more. No one should shirk this task. That is why I wish to apply myself to beginning a work of history. I would like to translate it from the Latin in which I find it, providing I have sufficient intelligence and skill, into the French vernacular so that those who are ignorant of Latin can enjoy it in French. The history is most noble and grand, and it treats of a great enterprise and great deeds. The destruction of Troy has been related in many diverse ways, but the truth of the matter is rarely heard. (1–44)

Homer, who was a wonderful cleric, wise and learned, related the destruction, the great siege and the reason why Troy was deserted in such a way that it was never again repopulated. But his book does not tell the truth, for we know for certain and without doubt that he was not born until a hundred years after the great expedition was assembled.

This list of the known manuscripts of the Roman de Troie is based on Jung, La Légende de Troie, chapter 1.6, and Constans's edition of the Troie, VI, chapter 1. These volumes should be consulted for codicological information relating to folio references, date, illustrations, rubrics, etc. The sigla by which these manuscripts are designated are those found in Jung. Note that since the publication of Constans's edition (1904–12), a number of the libraries housing these manuscripts have been renamed.

The following thirty manuscripts contain a complete or almost complete text of the Roman de Troie: