Eleanor of Aquitaine 1122-1204

Somewhere in the middle of reading Michael Chrichton's book, Timeline, set in the 1300's, it was clear this could not become an important epic movie. It was at best a chapter in the "Westworld" back lot. In Ridley Scott's movie, the Gladiator, an epic of survivorship, Russell Crowe resisted director Scott about saying his famous long line about vengeance, because he felt his character was about family, love, and honor. To graduate storytelling that expresses noble Roman values takes, well, a good story. If Crichton's quantum time machine landed two hundred years earlier at nearly the same place in France, we would have one of the greatest medieval epic mysteries. For hiding in the 12th century is a woman whose forceful invention of romantic values clashed with, and as long as she lived, obliterated the Dark ages of brutality. This is the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The real challenge of Eleanor's great story is to recover her story in the conditions of her time. Biographers and playwrights have written tediously of the kings and bishops surrounding her. Any student of Eleanor knows how silly was the Lion in Winter which continues the role of historians to vilify and trivialize her contribution. The total of her life, though royal and advantaged, was a battle against royalty and advantage as she was moved by the power of the heart. She defied the bounds of marriage while showing the advantages of true love, family management, and civil fareness.

France and England were the same country to her and by the time she outlived her husband Kings Eleanor's universal belief in family had her children and grandchildren ultimately rule every major country in Europe. A rather triumphant ending to a turblent life. Winston Churchill said of Eleanor's history:

"Tiresome investigators have undermined this excellent tale, but it certainly should find its place in any history worthy of the name."

Eleanor lived in a way different from what you or I have ever been told. Imagining Eleanor of Aquitaine brings forth the legacy of a woman, her family and the boldest qualities of the human race.

Mark Beaulieu
San Diego