Wasn't it actually her uncle who was one of the originators of the tradition
of courtly love? E of A acted as patron(ess) to a good number of
troubadours, but the genre was, as I recall, pretty well on its way
throughout Europe before she began to act as patron(ess). I think her
importance was in solidifying the *English* tradition. Perhaps I
mis-remember.

Also, nearly the entire tradition of courtly love was deeply religious. That
can't be forgotten.

Cheers,
Jacque


----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Montgomery" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 8:54 PM
Subject: Re: What the word feminism means


> From: Nancy Gish [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> I do note that Gerda Lerner does not discuss Eleanor of
> Aquitaine, and her history of "feminist consciousness" is extremely
> packed with specific women. Why do you name her?
> ==============================================
> She is largely credited with originating the
> tradition of courtly love, and putting women
> on a pedestal. Her aim was to create a sense of
> respect for women amongst the rowdy knights
> (and company), who knew no such thing. It was
> really quite a successful strategy, and helped
> to create a whole literary tradition in the
> process. Many descriptons of Arthur's Guinever
> would seem to have been base on E de A.
>
> Dr. Peter C. Montgomery
> Dept. of English
> Camosun College
> 3100 Foul Bay Rd.
> Victoria, BC CANADA V8P 5J2
> [log in to unmask]
> www.camosun.bc.ca/~peterm