The courtly love tradition is a medieval literary concept that idealizes chivalric love, typically characterized by a noble knight's passionate, yet often unattainable love for a lady. This tradition emphasizes themes of admiration, longing, and the ennobling effects of love, which often takes place in a courtly setting, where social class and honor are paramount. It influences many literary forms, particularly poetry, and contributes significantly to the development of romantic ideals in Western literature.
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