For the reader who explores themes of honor, justice, and the consequences of one's actions, this graphic novel offers a classic Arthurian tale of a knight's quest for redemption.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with the weight of a broken promise or a significant mistake, and needs to see a path toward making things right. This graphic novel retells a classic Arthurian legend about Sir Yvain, a knight who, in his pursuit of glory, betrays the trust of his wife and is cast out in shame. His journey to redemption, aided by a magnificent lion he befriends, is filled with epic battles against giants and demons. It's a powerful story about honor, forgiveness, and the hard work of earning back trust. For ages 10 to 14, its engaging format makes complex emotional themes of integrity and resilience accessible and compelling.
The story deals with intense shame, regret, and banishment as a consequence of a broken promise.
Sensitive Topics
The book contains medieval violence (jousting, sword fights, killing monsters) which is direct but not gory due to the art style. Yvain's initial courtship of Laudine immediately after killing her husband is handled as a convention of chivalric romance. Yvain's despair manifests as a period of madness where he runs naked through the woods; this is a metaphorical depiction of his shame and loss of identity. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on earned redemption through action.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 13 year old who has recently broken a significant promise or betrayed a friend's trust. This reader might feel overwhelmed by guilt and unsure how to make amends. The book provides a powerful, action-oriented model for atonement, showing that redemption is an active process. It is also perfect for a child who loves fantasy and adventure but is intimidated by dense classic texts.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the sequence of Yvain's madness (pp. 48-51) to be prepared for the non-sexual nudity. It may also be helpful to provide context for the seemingly strange chivalric code, especially how Yvain can marry the woman whose husband he just killed. Explaining this as a feature of old legends can help a child navigate the unfamiliar social rules of the story. A parent has witnessed their child make a big mistake and is now seeing them withdraw or act out. The child might say something like, "It's ruined forever," or "They'll never forgive me." This book can help frame a conversation about how to move forward after a failure.
Age Experience
A 10 or 11 year old will likely focus on the adventure: the magic, the fights, and the incredible loyalty of the lion. They'll experience it as a classic hero's quest. A 13 or 14 year old will better grasp the psychological depth: the weight of Yvain's broken promise, the nature of honor, and the complex path to earning forgiveness. They will be more attuned to the internal struggle rather than just the external battles.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique strength is making a 12th-century epic poem feel immediate and emotionally relevant for a modern tween audience. Unlike many fantasy graphic novels that create new worlds, this one masterfully adapts a foundational text of Western literature. The synthesis of M.T. Anderson's sharp, modern prose and Andrea Offermann's evocative, earth-toned art creates a work that is both a thrilling adventure and a sophisticated meditation on honor and redemption.
Read plot summary
Yvain, a knight of King Arthur's court, defeats the guardian of a magic spring and marries his widow, Laudine. He promises to return from a year of tournament fighting, but he breaks his word. Despondent, Laudine banishes him. Yvain goes mad with grief, living wild in the forest until he is healed. He then saves a lion from a dragon, and the lion becomes his devoted companion. As the anonymous "Knight of the Lion," Yvain embarks on a series of quests, rescuing maidens, defeating giants, and righting wrongs, all in an effort to atone for his failure and prove himself worthy of Laudine's forgiveness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Yvain realizes he has broken his promise to Laudine, he goes mad with grief. Why do you think his reaction was so extreme? What does this say about the importance of honor in his world?
2
The lion becomes Yvain’s closest companion. How does Yvain’s relationship with the lion help him change from a glory-seeking knight to a true hero who helps others?
3
At the end of the story, Lunete tricks Laudine into taking Yvain back. Do you think this was the right thing to do? Had Yvain truly earned forgiveness, or did he need Lunete's trick to succeed?
4
Yvain fights under the name 'The Knight of the Lion' for most of the book. Why does he hide his real name? What does he have to accomplish before he can be 'Yvain' again?
