Le Roy Engloys facts for kids

King Henry V of England

The song Le Roy Engloys is a very old French song. It was written around the late 1400s. This was just a few decades after the end of the Hundred Years' War. The song is part of a big collection called the Bayeux Manuscript. This collection has over a hundred songs. It was put together by Charles III de Bourbon in the early 1500s.

The Story Behind "Le Roy Engloys"

This song tells a story about the English King Henry V. He was a key figure in the Hundred Years' War. The song talks about how he wanted to be king of France too. It also describes the French people fighting back.

Why the Song Has Mistakes

The song was written about 50 years after the events it describes. Because of this, it has some historical mistakes. For example, the song says King Henry V died in Saint-Fiacre in Brie. But he actually died in Vincennes.

Another part of the song mentions "Captain Prégent." This is Prigent VII de Coëtivy. He was a French leader. He helped win the Battle of Formigny on April 18, 1450. In that battle, many English soldiers were defeated. The song uses a word for "tails," which sounds like the French word for "coward." This was a way to make fun of the English.

What the Song Says

The song is written in Middle French. It tells a story from the French point of view. It celebrates the French victory over the English. It also makes fun of the English king and soldiers.

First Part: The English King's Claim

The song starts by talking about the English King. He called himself the King of France. He wanted to force the French people out of their own country.

Second Part: The King's End and French Victory

Then, the song says the English King died. It celebrates that the English were pushed out of France. It says that no one talks about the "English tails" anymore. This means the English were defeated and forgotten.

Third Part: English Preparations

The song then talks about the English getting ready for battle. They loaded their cannons onto ships. They brought lots of food like biscuits. They sailed towards Biscay to crown their new young king.

Fourth Part: French Victory and Defeat of the English

Finally, the song says the English efforts were useless. Captain Prégent fought them very well. The English were completely defeated on land and at sea. The song ends by saying their efforts failed.