In 1146, the ideals of chivalry began to spread throughout Europe, influencing the behavior and values of the nobility. This cultural movement emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and courtly love, particularly in regions like France and England. The rise of chivalric culture had profound implications for literature, especially poetry, as it inspired new themes and narratives.

Chivalric ideals significantly influenced poets such as Chrétien de Troyes, who incorporated themes of love and heroism into his works. The emphasis on courtly love and noble deeds became central to the narrative poetry of the time, shaping the development of the Arthurian legends and the romantic tradition in European literature.