7 Timeless Myths about Eleanor of Aquitaine
- historyhit
VIVA – Eleanor of Aquitaine was Queen consort to Henry II of England and Louis VII of France. She was also the mother of Richard the Lionheart and John of England. She was popular for her beauty and powerful woman.
It seems that a large number of myths and misconceptions surround the discussion of Eleanor's life, from her physical appearance to the role she played in medieval Europe.
Here are 7 timeless myths about Eleanor of Aquitaine:
1. Eleanor Produced Amazing Powers in Her Life
It wasn’t right. Evidence suggests that Eleanor had virtually no power in her first marriage to Louis VII of France.
In the early years of her second marriage to Henry II of England, things got a little better; he holds power subject to scrutiny. The same thing happened when he ruled his own country in 1168-1174.
But on the other hand, before she was taken captive, Eleanor held just as little power in her second marriage as in her first.
2. Pretty Eleanor
One source described her as "very beautiful" and a German ballad (who almost certainly never saw her) spoke of her wish; but nothing really contemporary says anything.
The best evidence that Eleanor is beautiful, because of the second-hand: a singer did write drooling about the beauty of her daughter Matilda (whom she actually met).
The best evidence reflects Eleanor as a very handsome woman, but not an extraordinary beauty. Interestingly, she seems to be more interested in his personal qualities than her appearance.
3. Eleanor Presided Over the Court of Love
There is no 'Court of Love', where women were said to rule over romance cases based on medieval knightly codes. This is actually just a joke.
One such joke is the Court of Love itself; all women have fallen victim to the matchmaking system in one way or another and thus the lack of women's autonomy. This whole story comes from some scholars in the 20th century who considered the hoax to be the real thing.
4. She Married Again to Avoid Being Kidnapped
Eleanor’s wealth and power made her a target for kidnapping, which at the time was seen as a viable option for obtaining a title.
In 1152, she was kidnapped by Geoffrey of Anjou, but she managed to escape. The story goes that she sent an envoy to Geoffrey’s brother Henry, demanding that he marry her instead.
Only 8 weeks after the dissolution of her first marriage, Eleanor was married to Henry, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy, in May 1152.
5. Eleanor Kills Fair Rosamund
In fact, Eleanor was in prison when Fair Rosamund died circa 1176, not wandering around the country offering poison to Henry's last mistress.
No one suggested this idea for centuries after Eleanor died. Fact: Henry courted Rosamund when he was probably a teenager, and kept her as his lover for about a decade.
Rosamund entered Godstow abbey around the time Henry II got another teenager – his foster child (aka adopted daughter) Ida de Tosny – pregnant.
Rosamund died shortly after. The story of the cruel Elenor and the Just Rosamund is set in the 13th century when a foreign queen named Eleanor (especially Eleanor of Provence) was unpopular.
6. Eleanor Played a Key Role in Richard
Before her son’s coronation as King of England, Eleanor travelled all over the kingdom to forge alliances and foster goodwill.
When Richard set out on the Third Crusade, she was left in charge of the country as regent – even taking charge in negotiations for her release after she was taken prisoner in Germany on his way home.
After Richard’s death in 1199, John became King of England. Although her official role in English affairs ceased, she continued to wield considerable influence.
7. Eleanor Feel Angry with Her Friend because He Didn’t Help Her
Eleanor was mad at her friend, Paus Celestine. Because Paus did not help her to liberate Richard from captivity.
Pope Celestine (as Cardinal Bobone) was Eleanor's friend for many years. She had met him many times. She has corresponded with him, calling him a friend, speaking of the "sincerity of my affection".
