Gone Medieval Legends of Richard the Lionheart
Apr 17, 2026
Dr. Heather Blurton, a medieval literature and historiography lecturer and author, teases how Richard Cœur de Lion became larger than life. She explores medieval myth-making, troubadour culture, crusading prestige, Blondel’s tale and later reinventions from Walter Scott to Victorian statuary. The conversation traces how literature and politics shaped Richard’s lasting legend.
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Richard Became A Symbol More Than A King
- Richard the Lionheart is more mythic symbol than historical ruler in popular memory.
- Over 800 years his image accumulated legends (Excalibur, cannibal tales, films, video games) that say more about later societies than about Richard himself.
Timing Made The Angevins Legendary
- The Angevin family's fame magnified because they ruled at the precise cultural moment when vernacular literature and troubadour poetry exploded.
- Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard fit an emerging media landscape that demanded dramatic subjects and courtly culture.
Medieval Kingship Valued Crusade Over Residency
- Contemporary views of Richard's overseas focus reflect modern nationalism more than 12th-century norms.
- In his time crusading and using royal resources for continental projects were culturally expected and not universally seen as neglecting England.
