The Trojan Origins of the French: The Commencement of a Myth’s Demise, 1450–1520

Abstract

Between 1560 and 1580, the idea that the French were direct descendants of those fleeing Troy after its destruction suffered one resounding scholarly blow after another.¹ By the end of the century serious and responsible writers of history both popular and scholarly had virtually completely rejected the myth.² Since the seventh century when, from vague and unsubstantial beginnings, the story was given vital form and compelling narrative shape, the legend had had a long and distinguished life and had served a multitude of purposes, cultural and political.³ Although over the centuries the story’s Trojan core remained constant, its details were creatively elaborated and transformed, a process whose intricacies and motivations are just beginning to be understood.⁴