Courtly Love in Troilus and Criseyde Courtly love was a popular theme in literary works and poetry in 13th-century Europe. Andreas Capellanus, chaplain of Mary of France and author of the classic The Art of Courtly Love, defines courtly love as "...a certain innate suffering derived from the sight and excessive meditation on the beauty of the opposite sex, which causes that each desire above all else the embrace of the other and through a common desire fulfill all the precepts of love in the embrace of the other." In reality, courtly love was nothing more than an explicit court of rules for committing adultery. However, in literary works, the basis of chivalry became the presentation of the mutual passion of lovers and their consideration for others. I will examine Geoffrey Chaucer's literary masterpiece, Troilus and Criseyde, in light of this tradition of courtly love. The origins of courtly love are obscure. It is argued that it comes from Moorish influence as Arab poets brought lyrics of female love to Europe, or that it was of European origin, influenced by Celts, Cathars and Neoplatonists. From this tradition, however, many popular ideals originated which are still common beliefs and practices. For example, ideals about sex and society such as love at first sight, fidelity, secrecy in love, the flawless woman, and the superiority of the lover all seem to come from this tradition of courtly love. Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde is often considered a classic example of this tradition of courtly love. Whether or not courtly love existed in England in the Middle Ages is a matter of controversy today. Many critics believe this is not true... half of the paper ......p://kids.infoplease.lycos.com/ce6/sports/a0813813.html> [Accessed 20 November 2000]. 6.) Cupitt, Cathy. "'True' love or not to love?" [Accessed 20 November 2000].7.) Kirby, Thomas. Chaucer's Troilus: A Study in Courtly Love. Louisiana State University Press. Birmingham: August 1940.) Kleinbach, A. “Women and Courtly Love.” [Accessed 8 December 2000].9.) Stoner, Kay. "The Enduring Popularity of Courtly Love." [Accessed November 20, 2000].10.) Thompson, Diane. "Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde." Troy. June 26, 2000. [Accessed November 20 2000].