"Trees are not known by their leaves, nor even by their blossoms, but by their fruits." -Eleanor of Aquitaine
I am sorry, there was nothing I could do.
But on the bright side, your now Duchess of Aquitaine?
I thank you for your hospitality.
Your quite welcome. So, how do you feel about getting married?
Sup?
Can you feel the love tonight?
I now pronounce you: husband and wife!
Hoorah! The new couple!
I can't wait to eat that cake!
By: REAGAN CANNADAY
Um, excuse me your highnesses...
My History Showcase Figure: Eleanor of Aquitaine
If you would just listen!!
You're impossible!
Eleanor of Aquitaine was born most likely around 1122. Her parents were William X and Aenor de Chatellerault. Her parents were the duke and duchess of Aquitaine.
Hmph.
Eleanor was very well educated in her early years. In her later years, she became a patroness of music and poetry.
Please, Eleanor! Will a humble cobbler do?
Please, Lord. Please let her be my wife.
When Eleanor's father died, she became the Duchess of Aquitaine.
Eleanor was left in the hands of the King of France after her father's death. Only after a few hours under the guardianship of the King of France, Eleanor was betrothed to his son and heir, Louis VII.
Shortly later, they were married. When the King died, the newly-weds became king and queen of France.
Take her away!
You heard 'em. Hup! Two, three, four...
Wait! Please! Listen to me!
In the 15 years that they were married, Eleanor and Louis had two children together.
SET MY MOTHER FREE!
Throughout their marriage, the king and queen fought and argued, which left them with a terrible relationship.
Finally! After 16 years of imprisonment.. I'm free!
Eleanor sought an annulment for years, until finally, the church granted it in 1152. Their two children were left with their father.
And, what's more, I had just refilled that cookie jar.
After the separation, Eleanor gained her former position as Duchess of Aquitaine. As soon as she was unmarried and available, she had many suitors.
Among all of the suitors, a man named Henry of Anjou caught Eleanor's eye. They fell in love!
They were married a short while later, and they became king and queen of England two years after their marriage when Henry's grandfather died.
My King and Queen..
Oh, brother.
In 1173, Eleanor was accused of aiding her oldest son, known as "Young Henry", by trying to help him take the throne from his father. After the King found out, she was then imprisoned for the next 16 years.
It is decided. Blanche will marry Louis VIII.
On Young Henry's deathbed, he demanded that his mother be set free.
Reluctantly, King Henry agreed, but Eleanor was only allowed to enter the castle a few times a year to fulfill her duties as queen.
I was hungry!
When Henry of Anjou died, the next heir in line, Richard the Lionheart, became the next King of England, with his mother ruling at his side.
Your Majesties, this boy was caught stealing from the bakery...
News was brought to England that Richard was captured. His captor demanded a ransom of 100,000 silver marks, which is worth millions of dollars today.
Stay in there !
Eleanor quickly paid the ransom and personally escorted her son back to England.
The next heir in line for the throne, John Lackland, became King of England when Richard the Lionheart died while besieging a castle belonging to a rebellious vassal.
Giggle!
After John became king, Eleanor decided that her granddaughter Blanche should marry the son of the French King, Louis VIII.
My lady!
Eeek!
Mo-o-mmy! Arthur is invading the kingdom, again!
Patience, Eleanor. Patience.
Eleanor of Aquitaine
1122-1204
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Amazingly, Eleanor, who was over the age of 80, crossed the Pyrenees mountain range on horseback to fetch Blanche from the Court of Castile.
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As for Blanche, who was only 13 at the time, and Louis VIII, Eleanor saw to their marriage.
Not long after, Eleanor helped King John defend England against her grandson, Arthur of Brittany.
Eleanor kept advising her kingdom even past the age of 80.
At the age of 82, Eleanor retired to a abbey in France as a nun, where she died in 1204.
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential figure of the Middle Ages.