Marie de France

Little is known of Marie de France beyond that she is the earliest known female French poet. She may have been part of the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was a great patron of literature. Marie composed verse narratives called lais, with romantic and magical themes, and collections of fables known as Ysopets. Other writings include the Legend of the Purgatory of Saint Patrick and the Life of Saint Audrey. Her works indicate that she was a highly cultivated woman, well versed in Latin and local lore.