Francois Villon

Date of Birth: 1431

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Unknown (last known record in 1463)

Biography

François Villon was a French poet born in 1431 in Paris. He is one of the most distinguished and enigmatic figures in French literature. Villon’s life was marked by both literary brilliance and a series of tumultuous events that included imprisonment and exile. He studied at the University of Paris, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in 1452. His most famous works include “Le Testament” and “Le Lais,” which are characterized by their candidness, wit, and exploration of human nature. Villon’s life was riddled with legal troubles, including accusations of theft and murder. In 1461, he was imprisoned and sentenced to death, although his sentence was later commuted to banishment. After his exile, Villon disappeared from historical records, and his later life remains a mystery. Despite his short and troubled life, Villon’s poetry has had a lasting impact on French literature, influencing numerous writers and poets.

5 Interesting Facts about Francois Villon

1. François Villon was born as François de Montcorbier or François des Loges.

2. He was involved in a brawl that led to the death of a priest, for which he was pardoned.

3. Villon wrote “The Ballad of the Hanged Men” while awaiting execution in prison.

4. His works were rediscovered in the 19th century, leading to a resurgence in his popularity.

5. Villon’s poetry often reflects the themes of love, death, and the fleeting nature of life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francois Villon

1. “I know all things, save myself.”

2. “Where are the snows of yesteryear?”

3. “Alas! I know a hundred lovely things, but none of them my own.”

4. “I am François, which weighs upon me.”

5. “I die of thirst beside the fountain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

François Villon did not attain significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His net worth is not well-documented and is presumed to have been modest, given his frequent legal and financial troubles.