The development of the picture of the heroine in French novels of the XIIth and XIIIth centuries

The main theme of medieval novels such as Tristan, Cligs, Yvain, Lancelot, Jaufre and Flamenca is called fine amor, a pure love that represents the ideal of the love relation between the lady and her knight, both of aristocratic origins. Heroines such as Iseut, Fénice, Laudine, Guenivre, Brunissen and Flamenca represent women for whom love is the fundamental value even if each one of them have their own way to live it. The Lady s character is not only influenced by the Celtic mythology, but also by the following of the Virgin Mary which developed during the 12th Century alongside the Courtly love. Neverthless, there is no need to identify fine amor with the mystic love, because it represents, as well as Lady, the ideal of the Knighthood and not one of the Clergy. Iseut is torn between her husband and her lover, between her social obligations as a queen and the demands of her heart. She lives in conflict with society and with her own conscience. Her fault is diminished by the fact that her love for Tristan is ignited by a magic beverage they drink together on the sea (without knowing it is a magic drink), although this doesn't make her entirely innocent. Much like Eve, Iseut is a sinner that symbolizes the 12th century woman. Her character is further enhanced by the presence of Brangien, her maid, and..