Creole Medievalism

Joseph Bédier, a prominent scholar of the French Middle Ages, is renowned for his translations of significant works like Tristan and Isolde and The Song of Roland. His academic career included prestigious positions and lectures across Europe and the United States, a rarity for his time. Despite his strong advocacy for French dominance, his origins from the culturally diverse island of Réunion challenge this narrative, highlighting a complex relationship between his identity and his scholarly pursuits.