Scholars believe they have solved a medieval manuscript mystery that’s plagued scholars for nearly 130 years. Elves and adders–The ‘Song of Wade’The Song of Wade was an extremely popular tale throughout the Middle Ages. By the 1300s, the Song of Wade was ubiquitous enough for Geoffrey Chaucer to reference it in two separate works, including The Canterbury Tales. In “The Merchant’s Tale,” the 60-year-old knight January alludes to Wade’s boat while arguing in favor of marrying younger women. They couldn’t figure out why the poet’s tale of courtly intrigue referenced a version of Song of Wade that includes mythical creatures.