9 Amazing Love Stories Throughout Folklore and History ...

A.J.

Throughout history, there have been many amazing love stories hidden from plain sight or shouted from the hilltops. These remarkable tales of passion, love, betrayal, heartbreak and happiness have inspired many generations, while turning the world into a more beautiful place with their magic.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1. Paris and Helen

Paris and Helen The story of Helen of Troy and the Trojan War was recounted in Homer's Iliad as a Greek heroic legend. According to the tale, Paris – son of Trojan King Priam – kidnapped Helen, who was married to the King of Sparta, triggering the Trojan War, which ended with the destruction of Troy and Helen safely “rescued”.

***

The story of Paris and Helen is one of the most famous love stories in history and folklore. It is a tale of great tragedy and romance, and it has been recounted in various forms throughout the ages.

The story dates back to Greek mythology, and is recounted in Homer's Iliad. According to the tale, Paris, the son of Trojan King Priam, fell in love with Helen, who was the wife of the King of Sparta. Paris kidnapped Helen, triggering the Trojan War, which ended with the destruction of Troy and Helen safely “rescued”.

The story of Paris and Helen is a classic example of a forbidden love affair, and its themes of tragedy and romance have been explored in various forms throughout history. It has been the subject of plays, books, films, and art, and it has inspired countless works of literature.

The story has been interpreted in many different ways throughout the centuries, from a cautionary tale of forbidden love to a romantic epic of true love conquering all. It has been seen as a symbol of the power of love and the tragedy of war, and has been used to explore themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal.

2. Cleopatra and Marc Anthony

Cleopatra and Marc Anthony This is probably one of the most remarkable historic love stories, between a charismatic Egyptian queen and a powerful general. The story tells of Marc Anthony being seduced by Cleopatra and both lovers committing suicide after a chain of events that had set their two empires against each other in war.

***

Cleopatra and Marc Anthony's love story has captivated audiences for centuries. It is said that the two met in 41 BC when Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, invited Marc Anthony, a Roman general, to her palace to discuss an alliance. The two were immediately drawn to each other and began a passionate affair, despite the fact that Marc Anthony was already married. Their relationship was tumultuous, with political tensions surrounding them, but they remained devoted to each other until their tragic deaths. After Marc Anthony's defeat in battle, Cleopatra famously took her own life by allowing herself to be bitten by a poisonous snake. Marc Anthony, upon learning of her death, followed suit and died in her arms. Their love story has been immortalized in countless works of art, literature, and film, solidifying their place as one of the most famous couples in history.

Frequently asked questions

Oh, there are so many! Classics like Orpheus and Eurydice, Tristan and Isolde, and even Romeo and Juliet technically count since their story has taken on a life of its own in popular culture.

Love is such a universal experience. Every culture has stories about love because it's something everyone can relate to, whether it's love lost, love found, or even love transformed. It's timeless and speaks to our deepest emotions.

Absolutely! Many folk love stories come with lessons on loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience. They often teach us about the importance of love and the lengths to which one will go for those they hold dear.

Sure! One of the most touching is the story of Pyramus and Thisbe from Roman mythology. It’s a tragic tale of forbidden love, much like Romeo and Juliet. They communicate through a crack in the wall and plan to meet, but fate has other plans.

Because they connect us to the past and remind us that love has been a powerful force throughout human history. These stories make us feel all the feels and sometimes they even give us hope or teach valuable life lessons.

3. Tristan and Isolde

Tristan and Isolde Told and retold through various manuscripts, the story of Tristan and the princess Isolde of Ireland is an amazing tale of forbidden love, as the two fell deeply in love and continued their relationship even after Isolde's arranged marriage to King Mark of Cromwell.

***

Tristan and Isolde is an iconic love story from the Middle Ages, originating in the 12th century and told in various forms throughout the centuries. The story tells of the forbidden love between Tristan, a knight of Cornwall, and Isolde, the daughter of the King of Ireland. After Tristan is sent to Ireland to bring Isolde back to Cornwall to marry King Mark, the two fall deeply in love. Despite Isolde's arranged marriage, they continue to see each other in secret.

The tale of Tristan and Isolde has been told and retold in various manuscripts, and its popularity has endured for centuries. It is thought to be the inspiration behind many later works, including Richard Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde and the film Tristan & Isolde (2006). It has been adapted into various plays, books, and films, and it is still popular in modern culture.

The story of Tristan and Isolde is a timeless tale of star-crossed lovers and forbidden love. It is a story of courage and loyalty, and of two people who were willing to risk everything for their love. It is a reminder to never give up on love, no matter the odds.

4. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal Not everybody knows that the Taj Mahal is a monument built as a final resting place by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. Built in the 17th century, the building took 24 years to complete and is now considered one of the greatest declarations of love of all time.

***

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal's story is one of the most remarkable love stories of all time. Shah Jahan was the ruler of India's Mughal Empire and Mumtaz Mahal was his beloved wife. When Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, Shah Jahan was so grief-stricken that he commissioned the building of the Taj Mahal in her honor. The monument was built with white marble and precious stones and took 24 years to complete. It stands as a symbol of the deep love and devotion Shah Jahan had for his beloved wife and is now considered a landmark of India and a symbol of eternal love.

5. Heloise and Abelard

Heloise and Abelard The story of Heloise and Abelard became famous after Alexander Pope turned it into a piece of classical literature. After a love affair that Heloise's uncle disapproved of, the two lived a secluded life in monasteries, writing each other a set of now famous love letters.

***

Their passionate relationship, sadly, did not escape turmoil. Discovered by Heloise's uncle, Fulbert, Abelard was forcefully separated from Heloise and subsequently castrated. Despite this, their devotion endured through the written word, highlighting their intellectual rapport and deep affection. Heloise, in her letters, openly challenged the expectations of women of her time, exuding an independence of thought and spirit rare for the period. Their correspondence stands as a testament to a love that transcended the many constraints of their era, deeply inspiring those who discover their tale today.

6. Orpheus and Eurydice

Orpheus and Eurydice An incredible love story from ancient Greece, the story of Orpheus and Eurydice tells of a man who fell in love with a beautiful nymph and was so sad about losing her, that the gates of the underworld themselves opened up for him to find his lost love, only to lose her again, after failing to heed Hades' warning.

***

Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the oldest known stories of love and loss. The story is believed to have originated in Ancient Greece, and has been referenced in countless works of literature and art throughout the centuries. The story is about a young man named Orpheus who was so in love with a beautiful nymph named Eurydice that he was willing to travel to the underworld to get her back. After successfully navigating the underworld and convincing Hades to allow Eurydice to return with him, Orpheus failed to heed Hades’ warning to not look back until they had reached the surface. As a result, Eurydice was taken back to the underworld and Orpheus was left heartbroken. This story has been interpreted in many different ways, with some believing it to be a story of unconditional love and others believing it to be a warning about being too trusting. Whatever the interpretation, Orpheus and Eurydice’s story has been an inspiration to many throughout the ages.

7. Odysseus and Penelope

Odysseus and Penelope After war takes Odysseus away, his beloved Penelope is left to face the odds that he may never return. She turned down 108 suitors and waited faithfully for Odysseus, who, after resisting the temptations of a beautiful sorceress during his adventures, returned home to his wife and son.

***

Odysseus and Penelope's love story is one of the most famous love stories in folklore and history. It is a tale of loyalty, perseverance, and faithfulness.

The story of Odysseus and Penelope begins with the Trojan War. Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, was called away to battle and was gone for many years. During his absence, his wife Penelope was left behind to face the odds that he may never return.

Penelope was determined to remain faithful to her husband and refused all 108 suitors who came to court her. Despite the fact that many years passed, Penelope remained true to her vow and waited patiently for her husband to return.

Meanwhile, Odysseus encountered many challenges and temptations during his adventures. He was even seduced by the beautiful sorceress Circe, but he managed to resist her charms and eventually made his way back home.

When Odysseus finally returned to Ithaca, he was reunited with his beloved Penelope and their son Telemachus. Penelope recognized her husband despite his disguise and the two were finally reunited after many years apart.

8. Layla and Majnun

Layla and Majnun Written by an Iranian poet in medieval times, the poem of Layla and Majnun depicts the forbidden love between Layla and a man named Qays who, after having been denied the love of his life, goes into exile, becoming known as Majnun (madman). The two were never fully reunited, despite several attempts, but are eventually laid to rest together after their deaths.

***

Layla and Majnun is one of the most well-known love stories in folklore and history. The story originates from a medieval Persian poem written by an Iranian poet. It is a tragic tale of forbidden love between Layla and Qays, also known as Majnun.

Layla and Majnun were childhood friends who fell in love, but due to social conventions, their love was forbidden. Despite their families’ disapproval, they were deeply in love and Majnun was determined to marry Layla. Unfortunately, their families refused to allow the union and Layla was married off to another man. This rejection caused Majnun to go into exile and become known as the madman, Majnun.

The two lovers were never reunited, despite several attempts, and they both eventually died, never having been able to be together. They were, however, laid to rest side by side, and the poem of Layla and Majnun has since become a symbol of the power of love, even in the face of adversity.

9. Pyramus and Thysbe

Pyramus and Thysbe One of the saddest and most touching love stories is that of Pyramus and Thysbe. After being denied their love by their parents, the two decide to run away. However, after Pyramus sees Thysbe's veil taken by a lion, he mistakenly believes she was killed and takes his own life. Deeply saddened by this act, Thysbe also commits suicide, not wanting to live without her beloved.

Famous love stories such as these have transcended time and cultural differences and are still considered to be so inspiring today! Which one was your favorite? Care to share any other famous love stories I haven't mentioned here?

Sources:
historylists.org
amolife.com
livescience.com

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

How about modern times? The Duke of Windsor gave up his English throne for the love of Wallis Simpson and changed the course of events . Also the love affair of a Princess Margaret for Townsend her father's equerry? They could not marry as Peter was divorced and the Queen and parliament would not allow it. She led a life of unhappiness after that.

No it took 22 yrs to complete taj mahal

suicide is not romantic

No it took 22 yrs to complete taj mahal

Yap just a guy downstairs was found dead

Taj Mahal took 32 years to complete!