Maleperduis (; ; ; ; ), also spelled Malperdy, is Reynard the Fox's principal hideaway in the medieval tales of this figure of legend. The first extant versions of Reynard's literary cycle date from the second half of the 12th century. The name of the castle is most likely an old misspelling of the French word "Millepertuis", meaning " St. John's Wort", which was considered a sacred plant during the days the Reynard cycle was first written.

Labyrinth In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth () is an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the h ...

ine Maleperduys is full of holes, crooked and long, with multiple exits, which Reynard can open and shut to elude his enemies. Full of secret chambers and passageways, in William Caxton's ''The Historie of Reynart the Foxe'' (1485) the

castle A castle is a type of fortification, fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by Military order (monastic society), military orders. Scholars usually consider a ''castle'' to be the private ...

of Maleperduys is described as the "best and the fastest burgh that eynardhad. There lay he in when he had need, and was in any dread or fear." (Chapter VII, ''How Bruin the Bear was sped of Reynard the Fox''). Over time, the word came to mean a place of refuge. It is also the title of a gothic novel, written in 1943 by the Belgian author, Jean Ray. In 1972, it was made into a film, '' Malpertuis'', directed by Harry Kümel and starring

Orson Welles George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was an American director, actor, writer, producer, and magician who is remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre. He is among the greatest and most influential film ...

References

{{Reflist Fictional elements introduced in the 12th century Medieval legends Medieval literature Fictional fortifications Reynard cycle Fictional buildings and structures originating in literature Labyrinths