She Who Dared | Brave Women Through History: Eleanor of Aquitaine

A Saint or a “Black Legend?”

Historians have described Eleanor of Aquitaine as a “black legend” because of the myths, rumors, and exaggerated stories surrounding her life and actions. Fifteen-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine already wielded considerable power and influence as Duchess of Aquitaine before her 1137 marriage to Louis VII of France.

In the 12th century, women were depicted as idealized, divine figures in troubadour poetry and as venomous, unworthy beings denounced from the pulpit. These conflicting views were common in medieval writings about prominent women. Aquitaine’s size and wealth gave the Duchess a significant political and economic impact. 

In 1147, Louis VII and Queen Eleanor participated in the Second Crusade. Louis VII proved to be a weak military leader, while Eleanor showed strength and wisdom when handling her knights and supporters from Aquitaine, who accompanied her to the Crusade. 

Louis VII annulled their marriage in 1152 because he lacked a male heir. Two months later, she married Henry, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy, becoming Queen of England. This marriage linked her powerful duchy of Aquitaine to the English crown and played a crucial role in medieval European politics.

Henry became King Henry II of England in 1154. Eleanor bore him eight children and played a very active role in government for almost two decades. She returned to Aquitaine in about 1168 with two of their sons, Richard and Geoffrey. Eleanor’s eldest son, Henry, plotted to overthrow his father. With Eleanor’s support, his brothers Richard and Geoffrey joined him in the plot. The constraints placed upon her power in Aquitaine, coupled with Henry’s treatment of their sons, may have influenced her actions. The revolt failed, and in 1173, Henry II captured Eleanor and imprisoned her for almost sixteen years at various locations.

After Henry died in 1189, his eldest son, Richard I, ordered his mother’s release. In 1190, she acted as regent in England while Richard went to join the Third Crusade, and negotiated for his release after his arrest in Germany on his way home.

Eleanor was neither a saint nor a “black letter,” but a competent, complex woman.