Marie De France Quotes

Powerful Marie De France for Daily Growth

About Marie De France

Marie de France was a Medieval French poetess and romantic novelist, renowned as one of the most important women writers in Old Occitan and Old French literature. Born around 1147 in Le Pioude, near Béziers in Languedoc, Southern France, little is known about her early life. It's believed that she was possibly of Norman origin and likely lived as a nun in an English or Anglo-Norman convent, possibly in Shaftesbury Abbey. Marie de France's literary influence stems from her significant contributions to the development of the Arthurian legend. She is best known for her collection of 12 Lais (short stories), which include "Yvain, the Knight of the Lion," "Lanval," and "Guigemar." These works were among the first vernacular short-story collections in Western literature, influencing later writers such as Chaucer. Her lais, written around 1160–1170, drew from both oral tradition and Latin sources, blending them into rich tales that showcased her skillful use of language and keen insight into human nature. Marie de France's work also delves into themes of love, chivalry, and courtly behavior. Her interpretation of these themes added a female perspective, making her one of the first feminist voices in literature. Her works are still celebrated today for their beauty, wisdom, and enduring cultural impact. Despite the mystery surrounding her life, Marie de France's legacy continues to captivate readers and scholars alike, serving as an inspiration for future generations of writers.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love, like a rose, when on it springs;

The quote suggests that love, similar to a rose blooming, is a natural and beautiful occurrence. It implies that just as a rose springs forth when the conditions are right, love blossoms when hearts connect under the right circumstances. This metaphor emphasizes the beauty and spontaneity of love, while also hinting at its fragility, as both roses and love can be vulnerable to external threats or fading over time.


In mighty battle fights with kings;

The quote by Marie de France, "In mighty battle fights with kings," suggests a struggle against powerful forces or rulers in a significant conflict or contest. It implies that the subject of this phrase is engaged in a tough, royal-scale confrontation, possibly to defend their beliefs, territory, or position. The quote underscores courage, resilience, and the determination to stand up against adversity, especially when faced with strong opposition from high-ranking figures.


And he who from love's cruel pain

This quote by Marie de France suggests that one who experiences the intense agony of love is expressing the torment that often accompanies deep affection, especially when it is unrequited or complicated in some way. It highlights the emotional turmoil that can stem from passionate love, emphasizing its powerful yet sometimes painful nature.


Can free his heart again,

This quote suggests that healing a broken heart, or setting it free from pain, can only be achieved when one is able to forgive, let go, and allow new experiences and emotions to flow in. It implies that the heart, once bound by hurt or sorrow, can find liberation through the process of healing and recovery.


He hath an easy conquest gained."

The quote by Marie de France, "He hath an easy conquest gained," suggests that the person being referred to has won or achieved something without much effort or resistance. It implies a victory or success that comes quickly and smoothly, perhaps even deceiving others about its true difficulty or merit. This interpretation is based on the historical context of courtly love in which Marie de France wrote, where conquests often referred to winning the affections of someone through skillful flattery and subtle manipulation rather than open displays of force or effort.


These quotes are translations of Marie de France's work "Lais", specifically the Lais titled "Lanval" and "Guigemar". The originals were written in Old French verse form.

This quote indicates that the following quotes are interpretations or translations of works penned by Marie de France, a medieval French poetess known for her collection of short romance stories titled "Lais". Specifically, these quotes are derived from two particular stories in this collection: "Lanval" and "Guigemar". The original texts were written in the Old French verse form. Thus, they represent a glimpse into Marie de France's literary masterpieces that have been translated for contemporary readers to appreciate.


Whosoever counts these Lays as fable, may be assured that I am not of his mind.

- Marie de France

I Am, Mind, His, Fable

For what the lover would, that would the beloved; what she would ask of him that should he go before to grant. Without accord such as this, love is but a bond and a constraint.

- Marie de France

Love, Lover, Before, Love Is

I love no woman, for love is a serious business, not a jest.

- Marie de France

Love, Woman, I Love, Love Is

If one of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how may their friendship last, for Love is slain!

- Marie de France

Love, Jealousy, Other, Love Is

But sweetly and discreetly love passes from person to person, from heart to heart, or it is nothing worth.

- Marie de France

Love, Person, Passes, Sweetly

For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word. And because of this I dare not meddle with so high a matter.

- Marie de France

Love, Loyalty, Means, Loved One

Fairest and dearest, your wrath and anger are more heavy than I can bear; but learn that I cannot tell what you wish me to say without sinning against my honour too grievously.

- Marie de France

Tell, Against, Dearest, Wrath

He who would tell divers tales must know how to vary the tune.

- Marie de France

Vary, How, Would, Tales

There are divers men who make a great show of loyalty, and pretend to such discretion in the hidden things they hear, that at the end folk come to put faith in them.

- Marie de France

Loyalty, Hidden, Discretion, Great Show

The fool shouts loudly, thinking to impress the world.

- Marie de France

Fool, World, Loudly, Impress

Out of five hundred who speak glibly of love, not one can spell the first letter of his name.

- Marie de France

Love, Spell, Hundred, Letter

Great were the lamentation and the cry when the news of this mischance was noised about the city. Such a tumult of mourning was never before heard, for the whole city was moved.

- Marie de France

City, News, Before, Lamentation

Be sure that you speak with unfeigned lips.

- Marie de France

Speak, You, Sure, Lips

Now will I rehearse before you a very ancient Breton Lay. As the tale was told to me, so, in turn, will I tell it over again, to the best of my art and knowledge. Hearken now to my story, its why and its reason.

- Marie de France

Reason, Before, Very, Rehearse

The dead and past stories that I have told again in divers fashions, are not set down without authority.

- Marie de France

Past, Stories, Set, Fashions

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.