The Trouble With Love

Episode
Adoring Women
Broadcast Info
2002 (29 mins)
Description
The programme’s presenter Amanda VIckery uses the (He of Eleanor of Aquitalne and her family to explore the poetry and songs of Southern France in the 12th Century. The poets at that time (known as Troubadours) were highly Influential In the history of romantic love. According to one of the arademics In tiie progranune (Sarah Kay), they Invents romantic love and taught the generations since the 12th century how to love. In Vie face of a highly millteilstlc and masculine culture amongst aristocratic men, the Troubadours songs encouraged n^n to adore and respect women to the point where women were put on a pedestal, from which they have never fully descended.

The programme looks at Eleanor of Aquitaine’s grandfather, who is known as tiie first Troubadour because his are the earliest lyrics that survive. The programme traces Eleanor’s early to mid life because she was Instrumental In patronising and spreading the Troubadour songs, and because she was one of the inspirations for their lyrics: le she was a powerful woman who had 2 arranged marriages, the Ideal woman to be venerated by Troubadours who were keen to point out the differences between ttie lack of love In arranged marriages, and the fantastic, magical love for a lady who was unattainable in reality, because she was married to someone else.
Eleanor of Aquitaine poetry Southern France 12th Century Troubadours romantic love knights in armour Poitiers
Genre
History; Culture

How to cite this record

The Open University, "The Trouble With Love". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ou/search/index.php/prog/6453 (Accessed 12 Jan 2025)