Introduction

This chapter highlights the amalgamation of Roman (especially Ciceronian) and Christian (especially Pauline and Augustinian) notions of love in early medieval culture, resulting in a strong emphasis on caritas (love of God and one’s neighbour) to the detriment of – specifically Ovidian – cupiditas (erotic desire). Early medieval thinkers, such as the Carolingian Theodulf of Orleans, were prone to view desire and adultery as irrational and sinful, reinforcing strict religious and patriarchal norms. However, by the twelfth century, a significant cultural shift occurred as writers began to rehabilitate and celebrate profane love, blending religious language with expressions of desire. This transformation contributed to a lasting legacy, making the twelfth century a pivotal age for the theme of love in European literature.