Marie de France

Date of Birth: circa 1160

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: circa 1215

Biography

Marie de France was a medieval poet who flourished in the 12th century and is considered one of the earliest known female poets in European literature. Her exact identity remains a matter of scholarly debate, but she is believed to have been born in France and later moved to England, where she composed her works. Marie is best known for her “Lais,” a collection of narrative poems that blend elements of romance, chivalry, and Celtic folklore. She also authored “Ysopet,” a series of fables, and translated the “Legend of the Purgatory of St. Patrick” from Latin to French. Her works are characterized by their lyrical beauty, narrative innovation, and deep insight into human emotions and social norms.

5 Interesting Facts about Marie de France

1. Marie de France is considered the first female poet to write in the French language.

2. Her “Lais” consist of 12 narrative poems, each of which deals with themes of love, chivalry, and fate.

3. Marie’s work is notable for its incorporation of Celtic folklore and myths, which were relatively unknown in continental Europe at the time.

4. She was one of the earliest writers to use octosyllabic rhymed couplets, which later became a standard in French narrative poetry.

5. Marie de France’s “Ysopet” is a collection of fables that are adaptations of Aesop’s fables, showcasing her versatility as a writer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marie de France

1. “Love is an invisible bond that can do the impossible.”

2. “He who has suffered much in love is often the most compassionate.”

3. “True love cannot be found where it does not exist, nor can it be hidden where it does.”

4. “A tale is but half told when only one person tells it.”

5. “In love, there is joy, but also sorrow. Both must be embraced with equal fervor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marie de France’s net worth is not documented, as she lived in a time when such records were not kept. Her influence, however, is invaluable in the realm of medieval literature.

Children

There is no historical evidence to suggest that Marie de France had any children. Her personal life remains largely a mystery, as is common with many historical figures from the medieval period.