This synopsis is designed as a guide for readers who may not be familiar with details of the plot of the Old French romance, or with the alternative versions that exist for certain sections of the narrative. It also indicates the positioning of the narratorial interventions that are such a prominent feature of the text. Except where otherwise indicated, the narrative is broadly similar in each of the seven complete or near-complete manuscripts listed in Appendix 1. Where versions differ significantly, or where lacunae have been filled with text from other manuscripts, changes of base manuscript are indicated by prefixes in square brackets. Where the Collet-Joris edition gives both the text of MS A and the alternative version found in one or more other manuscripts, the prefix [A] indicates those passages that are printed on the top half of the page (pp. 618–25 and pp. 636–825); the prefixes [B], [G] and [T] indicate the text printed on the bottom half of the same pages. The short passage of alternative text from MS B on pp. 250–63 is summarised in a footnote.

Prologue and genealogy of the hero (vv. 1–498)

The poet praises God and his patron; he evokes spring and the singing of the lark and the nightingale, but declares that he prefers the subtler song of the oriole. He defends his decision to compose a narrative in the vernacular about the distant past, promising that his story will be of benefit to those who understand what it has to say. Authorities divide the world into three parts, the largest of which is Asia, where Troy is to be found.