Literature

The Romance of Tristan and Isolde has had a long and varied literary history and has had a substantial impact on Western literature since it first appeared.

The legend almost certainly originated as a tale from oral traditions. Built on extant figures, myths, folklore and subsequent dramatic embellishments the tale was eventually written down in what is often called the 'Ur Tristan' - the hypothetical original literary composition from which all later works are derived.

The earliest works concerning the legend that survive originate from the 12th century. One of the earliest extant versions, "Tristan" - although incomplete - was written (c.1170-1175) by Thomas of Britain in Anglo-Norman French verse. At a similar time "Le Roman de Tristan" was written by the norman poet Béroul (c.1160-1190). Eilhart von Oberge, Marie de France and Chretien de Troyes, all wrote their own works soon after.

It was not long before these early versions were themselves inspiring others to approach the legend. Gottfried von Strassburg of Germany wrote "Tristan und Isolde" (c. 1210), and based his poem on Thomas' romance. His poem is acknowledged to be the father of modern variations of the original myth in Germany. Association with the Court of King Arthur appeared in early works, but was limited in scope. By c.1240, the Prose Tristan became the standard version of Tristan and Isolde and heavily tied the Celtic inspired legend to King Arthur. Subsequently, Sir Thomas Malory, incorporated Tristan and Isolde into his Arthurian masterpiece: Le Morte d'Arthur (c. 1470).

Following the Renaissance, interest in the legend declined. It wasn't until the 19th century that Arthurian material - and thus the now deeply connected legend of Tristan and Isolde - made a revival. Taking the form of dramatic works and narrative verse, the legend was approached by some of the most eminent literary artists of the day, including Algernon Charles Swinburne, Alfred Tennyson, William Morris, Thomas Hardy and Matthew Arnold.

Whilst the Arthurian Revival has waned, modern literature still regularly approaches the legend - mostly in the form of high concept, romantic or pseudo-historical novels. Most focus on the forbidden romance, rather than the chivalry of Tristan. John Erskine, Rosalind Miles, Anna Taylor, Rosmary Surcliff , Hannah Closs and Nancy McKenzie are just a few examples of authors of modern Tristan and Isolde tales.