Courtly love, a 12th-century French concept, revolutionized medieval European literature. It idealized romance, emphasizing chivalry and noble conduct while challenging social norms through secret or forbidden relationships.

This literary tradition shaped character archetypes, narrative structures, and themes across genres. It influenced French troubadour poetry, English Arthurian romances, Italian Dolce Stil Novo, German Minnesang, and Spanish Galician-Portuguese works.

Understanding Courtly Love in Medieval European Literature

Concept of courtly love

• Emerged in 12th century France spread throughout Europe during Middle Ages
• Idealized beloved emphasized chivalry and noble conduct
• Secret or forbidden nature of relationship often unrequited or unconsummated
• Elevated lady to superior position challenged social norms
• Used specific poetic forms (troubadour poetry) and allegorical representations
• Elaborate system of courtly etiquette governed interactions
• Influential texts shaped conventions ("The Art of Courtly Love" by Andreas Capellanus, "Roman de la Rose" by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun)

Influence on medieval literature

• Character archetypes: noble knight as devoted lover, idealized lady as object of affection, jealous husband or rival created dramatic tension
• Narrative structures: quests and adventures metaphors for love pursuit, trials and obstacles proved worthiness
• Themes and motifs: suffering and longing expressed love, service and devotion to beloved, conflict between love and duty explored moral dilemmas
• Influenced various genres: lyric poetry, chivalric romances, courtly epics

Courtly love across European traditions

• French tradition: Troubadour poetry in Occitan language, Arthurian romances (Chrétien de Troyes)
• English tradition: Adapted French models, Geoffrey Chaucer's works ("The Knight's Tale")
• Italian tradition: Dolce Stil Novo poetry, Dante's "La Vita Nuova" and "Divine Comedy"
• German tradition: Minnesang poetry, Arthurian adaptations (Wolfram von Eschenbach's "Parzival")
• Spanish tradition: Galician-Portuguese troubadour poetry, "Libro de Buen Amor" by Juan Ruiz

Origins of courtly love

• Feudal society structure: hierarchical relationships and codes of conduct, limited social mobility shaped interactions
• Religious influences: Marian devotion impacted female idealization, tension between secular love and Christian morality
• Gender roles and power dynamics: limited options for women, subverted traditional power structures
• Cultural exchange: Arabic love poetry influenced European traditions, Crusades and trade facilitated transmission
• Court culture: nobility patronized arts and literature, refined manners and etiquette developed
• Changing perceptions: shift from arranged marriages to romantic ideals, explored individual emotions and desires