Eleanor of Aquitaine

1300 Words3 Pages

Eleanor of Aquitaine

When viewing the Middle Ages, it is often assumed that women had little if no political power. However, there are certain women that still stand out in the minds of historians, regardless of whether they are queens or commoners. These women ruled vast domains either directly or indirectly, and have influenced many other women to do the same. One such figure was Eleanor of Aquitaine. Although her name is rarely mentioned in history books, her lineage can be found in almost every noble house in Europe. She not only embodied the virtues of a noble woman, but she was also a charismatic strong leader. Her opinion was often heeded in matters of state as well as personal struggles. Truly a remarkable woman, she has shown what being a cunning and graceful queen can do for a country.

Eleanor was born in 1122, to William X and Anor of Aquitaine. Eleanorís father, the Duke of Aquitaine, ruled a large plush kingdom that was rich in wine and rolling verdant hills (Dahmus 179). The young Eleanor grew up in a court of Troubadours who sang of courtly love and women. Her grandfather, William IX, is credited as being one of the first Troubadours who brought lyric poetry to life, and her own father continued the tradition (Dahmus 180). Eleanor, having been blessed with good looks, is attributed with being the subject of many of these verses and of inspiring men to sing to women of high station (Consort). These happy times however, were short lived when at the age of five, Eleanorís father died (Troubadour). On his deathbed, her father requested that she be given to Louis VI in order to wed one of his sons (Dahmus 181). This was done, and Eleanor and Louis VII were wed in the summer of 1137.

Although this seemed to be...

... middle of paper ...

...to wield power while obeying her husbandís commands. Few men or women in history were able to better utilize their many talents in order to accomplish their goals.

Works Cited

"Consort of Love and Letters." 1 Apr. 1998. <http://spectrum.net/dede/eleanor.htm>

(A word of caution to the readers: Lyn Reeseís Women in World History suggested this web-site. It was written by a high school student and could contain errors)

Dahmus, Joseph. Seven Medieval Queens. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc,

1972.

Duby, Georges. Women of the Twelfth Century. Great Britain: The University of

Chicago Press, 1997.

"Eleanor of Aquitaine." Women in World History Curriculum. Ed. Lyn Reese. 1999.

16 Apr. 2000. <http://www.womeninhistory.com/EofAreturns.html>

"The Troubadourís Daughter." Suite 101.

<http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7545/Eleanor.html>

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