Chivalric culture, emphasizing knightly virtues and courtly love, gained prominence in Europe around 1158. This cultural movement influenced the behavior and ideals of the nobility, shaping social norms and expectations. The rise of chivalry had a lasting impact on literature and the arts.

Chivalric ideals inspired a new wave of poetry, particularly in the works of troubadours and courtly poets who celebrated love, honor, and valor. This cultural shift laid the groundwork for the romantic themes that would dominate European literature for centuries.