Mont Saint-Michel. Unknowingly, the son ends up jousting against the father, whom he defeats. At the end of the tournament, Doon goes to speak to the young man and asks to see his hands. He immediately recognizes the ring that he gave to his wife many years ago and explains who he is. Doon and his son return to Edinburgh to the lady, where they live together in happiness. Analysis and significance Structure The poem can be broken down into the following sections: Prologue (vv. 1-6) The maiden, her test, and the suitors (vv. 7-64) Doon passes the tests (vv. 65-160) Doon leaves and a son is born (vv. 161-188) The son grows up (vv. 189-218) The tournament (vv. 219-253) The return to Edinburgh (vv. 254-280) Epilogue (vv. 281-286) Allusions Elements of "Doon"'s story are taken from several other lais. The father-son motif, including the tournament at the Mont Saint-Michel, bears a striking resemblance to Marie de France's lai "Milun". A swan appears in "Milun" as well. The motif of a test to determine a worthy suitor can be found in another of Marie's lais, "Les Deux Amants" as well as in the anonymous "Tyolet". In Marie's "Yonec", Muldumarec accurately predicts the birth of his son just before his death. A character named Doon de Mayence and a powerful horse named Bayard appear prominently in works of the Matter of France, or the legends surrounding Charlemagne. Doon is the forefather of a line of heroes who generally oppose Charlemagne, and gives his name to one of the three major cycles of Carolingian chansons de geste. Bayard is most often associated with this family, particularly with Doon's grandson Renaud de Montauban. Symbolism The horse and the swan have special significance. The horse, a traditional symbol of masculinity, can stand for Doon. The swan, a traditional symbol of beauty and harmonious union, can represent the woman. Thus, the horse's defeat of the swan symbolizes Doon's ultimate conquest of the woman. The ring can represent the life-cycle. It is through the ring that Doon's son's identity is known so that he can be reunited with his father. See also Anglo-Norman literature Medieval literature Medieval French literature Notes and references External links Doon in English translation alongside Old French verse Anonymous lais French poems Matter of France