Chrétien de Troyes

1135–1181

1 series 1 book in order 1914–2006

Chrétien de Troyes, also known as Chrestien de Troyes, was a 12th-century French poet and trouvère. He was active around 1170 and is recognized as the author of the first major literary treatments of the Arthurian legend. His narrative romances, written between approximately 1170 and 1185, were composed in octosyllabic rhymed couplets. Among his works are Érec et Énide, Cligès, Lancelot, le chevalier de la charette, Yvain, le chevalier au lion, and Perceval, le conte del Graal, the latter of which was left unfinished. Chrétien drew from popular legend and history, reflecting the ideals of chivalry of the 12th-century court of Marie de Champagne, for whom he worked. His other surviving works include adaptations of Ovid and Guillaume d'Angleterre, a non-Arthurian narrative.

Born

1135

Active years

1914–2006

Known for

Everyman's Library

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