Our next French hero is Queen Guinevere, a very important mythical (or maybe historical) figure in many cultures throughout Europe. She appears in most Arthurian legends, most notably in the French poet Chrétien de Troyes's Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart. Guinevere is notorious for her many lovers. Over the years of stories about King Arthur and his court, Guinevere has been kidnapped by a few of these alleged lovers. As a historical figure she was probably prized for her wealth and the land that her husband would receive as part of her dowery. This could explain why she was abducted often by men like King Melwas, who then tried to marry her. Guinevere has gotten much backlash and judgement over the years because of her adulterous ways. Before we pass judgement though, we should consider what marriage was like for noblewomen during the time that Guinevere may have lived. Guinevere was probably not married to King Arthur for love, she was probably betrothed to him because she came from a wealthy and loyal family. For all we know, being the queen consort of Arthur could have been really lame. Perhaps he was often out defending the kingdom or maybe he wasn't very affectionate. Guinevere's affair with Lancelot shows that she was an unconventional queen, willing to take a big risk to find love and companionship. She is a hero for deciding that she wasn't going to settle for a life that was ordained for her by an arranged marriage, but instead going after and finding happiness with the love(s) of her life.
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