Heloise and Abelard are two prominent figures in medieval literature. The story of their love affair, as well as the crumble of their relationship, sets them apart from other couples of their time. "The Letters of Abelard and Heloise," by Pierre Abelard, tells the story of a truly epic romance. "God knows I never sought anything in you except yourself; I wanted simply you, nothing of yours." This is just one example of the true love depicted by Abelard and Heloise. .
The central idea of "The Letters of Abelard and Heloise," is two lovers caught in the tides of forbidden love, and the consequences they face because of it. Pierre Abelard rose to prominence due to his teaching talents and innovative thinking and his lover, Heloise, was the well educated niece of Canon Fulbert, canon of the Notre Dame Cathedral. .
Abelard set his sights on educating Heloise, and offered to be a her private tutor. He then convinced Canon Fulbert to allow Heloise to live with him so he could better teach Heloise. The passion Abelard had to teach and the passion Heloise had to learn quickly turned into a passion for romance with one another. Lust grew and took over their relationship. Abelard was significantly older than Heloise, about twenty years older. .
Canon Fulbert, the uncle of Heloise eventually became aware of their relationship, and was completely against it. "Oh, how great was the uncle's grief when he learned the truth, and how bitter was the sorrow of the lovers when we were forced to part!" Due to the uncles disapproval of the couple they were separated, but something would come up to change this. Heloise then found out that she was with a child, and left the house of her uncle. She went to Abelard's sisters house and stayed there until the child was born.
Abelard sought Canon Fulbert's forgiveness and ultimately did receive blessings for them to get married. The couple married, and left their child with the sister of Abelard.
