The theme of religion in Joseph Bedier's The Romance of Tristan & Iseult is extremely controversial. Throughout the story there are many conflicting scenes that portray a unique practice of Christianity. Tristan and Iseult believe in God and continuously ask for his protection, yet banish any belief of guilt for their adulteress actions due to the drinking of a magical love potion. Their guiltiness for the sins they commit are repeatedly absolved by characters in which they come in contact, and as the narrator would have the reader believe, God himself. Examples of scenes that prove contradiction are those that contain the character of Ogrin, and the abolition of Iseult. Another conflict with the belief in God, is the simultaneous belief in magic and the supernatural that the people in these Medieval times possessed. In all, the presentation of religion in this story is confused. Although it is to God to whom the characters pray, sinners are both praised and readily forgiven.
Tristan and Isolde
tristan
Tristan loves juiceFor even though God is repetitively mentioned throughout the text, lives are not guided by the ten commandments written in the Christian bible.
Within The Romance of Tristan & Iseult it is repetitively proven that the people of the medieval times depicted in the novel were of Christian faith. The characters are continuously praying to God for mercy, guidance and protection;
'The bells pealed, and all, those of nobility and those of low degree, old men,
children and women, weeping and praying, escorted Tristan to the shore.' pg. 18
Actually the first mention of God is by Tristan himself who says:
'"I have retaken this place and I have avenged King Rivalen by the help of
God and of you"'pg. 11
Tristan looks to God for virtues such as strength and believes that His powers will guide his...