fabliau

A fabliau is a genre of short, humorous anecdotes or stories that originated in medieval France. The term "fabliau" comes from the Old French word "fable," which means "tale" or "story," and the suffix "-iau," which indicates a diminutive or small size. Fabliaux are typically characterized by their witty, often bawdy, and sometimes satirical content, and they often feature a clever or cunning protagonist who outsmarts a more foolish or greedy antagonist.

The stories are usually set in a rural or village setting and often involve themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of greed or foolishness. They are known for their use of stock characters, such as the simpleton, the cunning rogue, and the virtuous maiden, who are often used to illustrate moral lessons or to create comedic situations.

Fabliaux were popular during the Middle Ages and were often performed by traveling minstrels or jongleurs. They were also written down and circulated in manuscript form. Some of the most famous fabliaux were collected in the 13th century by the French poet and chronicler Jean de Meun. The genre has had a lasting influence on literature and continues to be studied and performed today.