THE SCENE: The following passage demonstrates how, in medieval Europe, there social pressure to marry off young women was so intense that it was hard to manage even if your father was a king.
THE TEXT: The king had a beautiful daughter, a most courtly, damsel who had been a comfort to him ever since he had lost the queen. Many people reproached him for this, and even his own people blamed him. When he heard that people were talking thus, he was very sad and disturbed, and began to consider how he could prevent anyone seeking his daughter’s hand. Far and near he had it proclaimed that whoever wanted to win his daughter ought to know one thing for certain: that it was decreed and destined that he should carry her in his arms, without resting, up the mountain outside of the town. When the news was known and had spread throughout the region, many made an attempt, but without success. There were some who made such an effort that they carried the girl halfway up the mountain, but could go no further and had to abandon the attempt. She remained unmarried for a long time, as no one wanted to seek her hand.
– Les Deus Amanz, Marie de France, 12th Century AD
