In 1367, the first recorded use of gunpowder in European warfare occurred during the conflicts in the Hundred Years' War, particularly in battles involving the English and French armies. This marked a pivotal moment in military technology, as gunpowder began to change the nature of warfare, leading to the decline of traditional knightly combat. The implications of this innovation would resonate throughout Europe for centuries.

The introduction of gunpowder in warfare influenced poets and playwrights, who began to explore themes of violence, power, and the changing nature of heroism. Works such as those by William Shakespeare later reflected on the consequences of war and the human condition in the face of technological change. The imagery of gunpowder and its destructive potential became a powerful motif in literature.