Chrétien de Troyes
(1135–1180)

A talented French poet, Chrétien de Troyes was among the first credited with writing the enduring Arthurian romances. According to scholars, he at one time resided in the town of Troyes, which is located in the Champagne region of northeastern France. The name Chrétien signifies Christian and might have been either his name or a mark of his religion.

Chrétien wrote in a colloquial manner, but his works indicate that he was well educated. For instance, some of his poetry emulates Ovid's work, suggesting that he both studied and appreciated Latin. The translated version of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britannieae also influenced Chrétien, making him familiar with the legends of King Arthur.

Chrétien's unfinished work Perceval depicts Christian mythology in the quest for the Holy Grail. It also narrates Celtic mythology by incorporating Perceval, a knight of King Arthur's court whose great virtue and purity were not enough to obtain the Grail. Today, Chrétien's work remains a combination of legend and history, blending the fact and fiction of the past with the courtly practices and romantic gallantry of the twelfth century.

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