We at last receive the sacred name we have chased gallantly through the pages of the story; the very name of the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, and this graced title is Enide. We finally reach this answer through the ceremony of Enide and Erec’s wedding. I am perplexed by the timing of this revelation; it could be an awakening of her character as a prevalent member of the story or an expression of her role as property of Erec, whose name can only be uttered in connection to her lover or master.

We see her character’s entry into the story as the infatuation of Erec, going so far as to drive him from knighthood and deeper into her arms. Her presence deeply affects the life and role of Erec, unlike Yseut of our previous story; Enide shows genuine concern for her actions upon the lives of those she holds dear.

Beyond the simple uttering of this innocent beauties blessed name, we hear her first words of the story spoken. Our first experience with the voice and reflection of Enide occurs when she is lying tenderly and close to her beloved Erec, consumed in her own deepest thoughts. She speaks of the manner the kingdom speaks of Erec as well as the consequences of his devotion to their new marriage. These words are released as if only her ears were to have heard, yet they spark response in Erec’s mind as well.

At first Erec conveys a genuine concern for Enide’s weeping and evident anguish; although as she denies her own words his distress slips to frustration and he threatens her. After Erec expresses such harsh language Enide recounts her feelings of guilt and sorrow. Erec reacts by planning a journey to, at the moment, we cannot tell. The origin and purpose of said venture can only be speculated upon. I believe the journey is of a spiritual or redeeming quality. Erec wants to prove his valiancy and prestige as a knight and uphold his love and commitment to his wife.