Chrétien de Troyes, << kray TYEHN duh TRWAH, >> was a French poet who wrote from about 1160 to about 1190. He introduced the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table into French literature, using traditional legends told by Welsh and Breton bards (poet-singers) of his day. Chrétien wrote long verse romances of love and adventure. These romances show the character of medieval chivalry, the splendor of festivals and tournaments, and the importance of courtly love.
Chrétien’s Perceval, or The Tale of the Grail, is the earliest known literary version of the legend of the Holy Grail. Chrétien’s other romances include Lancelot, or The Knight of the Cart; Erec and Enide; Cliges; and Yvain, or The Knight of the Lion.
Little is known of Chrétien’s life. He probably wrote at the courts of Champagne and Flanders in northern France.
