Les Quatre Fils Aymon (also called Chanson de Renaud de Montauban) is a chanson de geste from the 13th century. It relates the story of four knights – Aalard, Renaud, Richard and Guichard, sons of the Comte Aymon de Dordogne and Charlemagne’s vassals. It inspired many adaptations, illustrations and rewritings until the end of the 19th century.

This play has often been staged by puppeteers from the North of France and Belgium. It is the oldest “chevalerie” (knights play) in the repertory of puppeteers from Liège and one of their seminal shows, along with Li Naissance (The Nativity). The play performed by Denis Fauconnier comes from an adaptation published by Alfred Delvaux in 1859 in the collection “Bibliothèque Bleue” (Blue Library). It only contains the first episode of the story – the death of Lohier and the taking of Montfort.

Charlemagne comes back victorious from the war against the Saracens, but he is displeased because several of his vassals, including Duke Beuves d’Aigremont, have refused to lend him a helping hand. On Naymes’ advice, Charlemagne sends his son Lohier to Beuves d’Aigremont to remind him of his duty.

The duke is warned by a spy and prepares for Lohier’s visit. He understands his message (to obey Charlemagne or be executed for treason) as a declaration of war and kills him.

Duke Aymon, brother to duke Beuves, offers his services to Charlemagne, as well as the services of his four sons, who are granted the title “knights” by the king. Charlemagne hears of the death of his son. The four brothers have mixed feelings about this news. They understand that war is imminent, but how can they fight against their uncle? Aymon decides to fight alongside Charlemagne but suggests that his son leave the castle, as he expects that the situation will change.

Beuves asks for truce, then for Charlemagne’s forgiveness. He grants it to him. But Ganelon believes that Lohier’s death must be avenged, and he kills Duke Beuves.

During a game of chess, Renaud, Aymon’s oldest son, quarrels with Barthelot, Charlemagne’s nephew, and kills him. Maugis, Duke Beuves’ son, advises him to hide with his brothers in a castle he had built magically in the Ardennes Forest. He gifts him his horse Bayard and the magical sword Flamberg.

Charlemagne discovers their hiding place and leaves with his army to besiege the magical castle. Duke Naymes advises him to send a message to Renaud, in which he would offer to lift the siege if he hands over his brother Richard – who has killed one of the emperor’s men. Renaud declines the offer. Hernier, cousin to Ganelon, poses as an enemy of Charlemagne. Renaud believes his disguise and offers him hospitality. At nightfall, Hernier lets Charlemagne’s army into the castle. The brothers have no choice but to flee. To cover their retreat, Maugis summons an army of demons. Charlemagne gives up on chasing the brothers. He has control over the castle, which leaves his enemy without shelter or means to survive.