The Medieval Concept of Courtly Love and Its Transformation in Renaissance Literature

Abstract

The concept of courtly love emerged in medieval Europe as a refined and idealized form of affection that emphasized chivalry, devotion, and moral virtue. Originating in the poetry of the troubadours, it portrayed love as a noble, spiritual experience that elevated both the lover and the beloved. However, during the Renaissance, this medieval ideal underwent significant transformation. As humanism spread across Europe, the perception of love shifted from divine and ritualized devotion to a more people, psychological, and human-centred experience. This article examines the evolution of the courtly love tradition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, highlighting how writers such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare reinterpreted medieval ideals within the framework of Renaissance humanism. The study reveals that while the essence of idealized love persisted, its moral, philosophical, and literary meanings were redefined to reflect the changing worldview of the period.