Héloïse & Abélard
long-distance lovers From tutor and pupil to
The love affair between Héloïse,the niece a philosopher, in of a priest, and Abélard, gone down in 12th-century France has amorous letters. After history thanks to their of Héloïse’s uncle entering the household pair quickly began Fulbert as her tutor, the a passionate but doomed relationship. to appease Héloïse fell pregnant and in secret. Fulbert, the couple married still enraged and However, Fulbert was to retire to a convent Abélard forced his love to be fearful — for her safety. He was right his men to find one night, Fulbert ordered and castrate him. for their Héloïse’s letters are remembered unashamed intensity: the “I cannot avoid heart. I illusions of my with dream I am still I see my dear Abélard. him and him, I speak to hear him answer… Even I awake in tears. before into holy places the the altar I carry love, memory of our and far from lamenting seduced for having been for by pleasures, I sigh having lost them.” After Fulbert’s attack, Abélard retired to a monastery, forcing Héloïse They were to do the same. their separated for the rest of lives, save for their letters.