In the tenth or eleventh century, a Latin hagiography, the "Vita sancti Willelmi", was composed possibly based on oral traditions. By the twelfth century, William's legend had grown. He is the hero of an entire cycle of "chansons de geste", the earliest of which is the "Chanson de Guillaume" of about 1140. In the "chansons", he is nicknamed "Fièrebrace" (fierce or strong arm) on account of his strength and the "marquis au court nez" (margrave with the short nose) on account of an injury suffered in battle with a giant.