Chrétien de Troyes (died c. 1183)

French poet. His epics, which introduced the concept of the Holy Grail, include Lancelot, ou le chevalier de la charrette (c. 1178), written for Marie, Countess of Champagne; Perceval, ou le conte du Graal (c. 1182), written for Philip, Count of Flanders; Erec (c. 1170); Yvain, ou le chevalier au Lion (c. 1178); and other Arthurian romances.

Chrétien probably invented little of his material, but he arranged and amplified it brilliantly, using the traditional octosyllabic metre with great skill. He was concerned in his romances to illustrate certain problems and ideals inherent in the courtly way of life, and he shows particular interest in the relationship between love, marriage, and chivalric prowess.