Despite his recurring presence throughout the twenty-six branches of the Roman de Renart, the figure of Grimbert the badger has been very little studied until today. Promoted to the rank of first cousin of Renart from the composition of the original branches of the Renardian tale, the character of Grimbert is Renart's best defender at the court of Noble, even though this family tie is very burdensome. Faced with the multiple exactions of his turbulent cousin, Grimbert spends his time pleading his cause at the court of King Noble, opposing Renart's enemies and sometimes even the lion, who is fully aware of it. In reality, few people have really taken an interest in this curious family tie uniting by the benefits of "cousinship" two animals that do not belong to the same species. This connection is not logical, particularly if we refer to the encyclopaedic and homiletic theories of the early 12th century, where the badger and the fox are presented as privileged enemies. How then can we analyse the reversal encountered in the Roman de Renart, where the two animals are united in a relationship of kinship and friendship? While the consideration of zoological data is certain, the dual influence of foxing and symbolism must also be considered. Thus, despite a superficial altruism, Grimbert's actions towards Renart are far from disinterested, the badger appearing as deceitful as his cousin. Furthermore, on a symbolic level, Grimbert is introduced as a character keen on legal procedure; however, when we know the procedural complexity of this period, it seems certain that only a badger, thanks to his astonishing efficiency in digging and avoiding, can emerge victorious from the twists and turns of justice. Understood in this way, Grimbert's choice of animal species would already constitute in itself an allegorical signifier. - [Abstract]

Language: French

HALId: halshs-03596591