Great Couples from History (and Legend)
Throughout history, great couples in love have filled poetry, literature, music, and art. They have caused wars and created empires. They have captured the hearts of the public. Romeo and Juliette might be the most famous ‘love story’ of them all. In fact, the couple has become synonymous with the term. But William Shakespeare meant Romeo and Juliette as a tragedy. It’s the tale of two teenagers from feuding families who risk everything for love. And in the end, they give their lives for it.
Not all great love stories end-up being positive examples of true, loving relationships. However, their influence on history and culture is powerful. Here are some examples:
Paris and Helen. When Paris — the “handsome, woman-mad” prince of Troy — saw Helen, the woman whom Aphrodite proclaimed the most beautiful in the world, he had to have her. Even though she was married, Helen and Paris fell in love and ran off together, setting in motion the 10-year Trojan War. We really don’t know if Helen of Troy actually existed, but we do know she played the romantic lead in the greatest mythology epic of all time. She will forever be known as “the face that launched a thousand ships” in the Trojan War.
Antony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, was described as, “Brilliant to look upon and to listen to, with the power to subjugate everyone.” She could have anything or anyone she wanted, but she fell in love with the Roman General, Mark Antony. Shakespeare depicted their relationship as rather “volatile.” In one scene, Cleopatra said to Antony, “Fool! Don’t you see now that I could have poisoned you a hundred times had I been able to live without you.” However, love won the day and they risked everything to fight a war together against Rome. In the end, they lost the war and chose to die together in 30 BC.
Lancelot and Guinevere. The love story of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere is one of the best-known legends of the medieval period. In short, Lancelot, the famous Knight of the Round Table, fell in love with King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. Their love grew slowly as they were careful to stay apart. But things heated up, and, well… one day they got caught together by some other knights. Lancelot escaped, but Guinevere was captured and condemned to death for committing adultery. Fear not – At the last moment, Lancelot came to the rescue and saved Guinevere from burning at the stake. But in the end, adultery always gets you in trouble, and the couple was forced to separate. Lancelot became a hermit and Guinevere a nun.
King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. King Henry VIII fell for a young lady-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn, who possessed eyes “black and beautiful.” But the Tudor king was married to a Spanish princess, so he rocked the Western world when he staged a divorce and made Anne his queen. Ambassadors all over Europe couldn’t believe how mesmerized the king was by his love for Anne. He wrote numerous love letters to her in the 16th century, where he spoke of being “wounded by the dart of love.” Oh, historical side note — their love affair ended when Henry had Anne beheaded.
John and Abigail Adams. An encouraging example of a couple from history is John and Abigail Adams. Abigail Smith married the founding father, John Adams, at age 20. She was his wife, confidante, and political advisor. They also had five children together, including America’s 6th president, John Quincy Adams. The more than 1,000 letters they wrote to each other offer a window into the devotion and friendship they shared. Abigail wrote: “There is a tye more binding than Humanity, and stronger than Friendship … and by this chord I am not ashamed to say that I am bound…” John replied, “I want to hear you think, or see your Thoughts. The Conclusion of your Letter makes my Heart throb, more than a Cannonade…”
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco. In the wedding of the century, American film star Grace Kelly left Hollywood behind at the height of her career to wed Prince Rainier and become Princess of Monaco. Prince Rainier fell in love with Grace when she visited the French Riviera to film Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. He courted her through months and months of love letters before the couple announced their engagement in 1956. Prince Rainier never remarried after Grace’s tragic death in 1982.
Johnny Cash and June Carter. There isn’t a more iconic country music love story than Johnny Cash and June Carter. Both were stars in their own right when they met backstage at the famed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple went on to tour together and fell in love, eventually marrying in 1968. Cash credited Carter with helping him recover from drug addiction, further strengthening their bond. Both had successful careers, sharing a number of Grammy awards. The happy couple stayed together their whole lives and died within four months of each other. It’s clear this was a true love story. When once asked for his definition of paradise, Johnny Cash simply said, “this morning, with her, having coffee.”
Ronald and Nancy Reagan. One of the favorite power couples in the modern era was Ronald and Nancy Reagan. The famous actor, Charlton Heston, once said theirs was “probably the greatest love affair in the history of the American Presidency.” What began as a meeting between two movie stars became a real-life, ‘love story.’ The public saw a couple intensely devoted to one another — Ronald visibly lit up when Nancy entered the room. And Nancy was known for her “gaze,” where she looked adoringly at Ronald whenever he made public speeches. They were always holding hands. Ronald Reagan wrote countless letters to Nancy, and Nancy hid cards and love notes for “Ronnie” whenever they were apart. In a letter to Nancy on their 31st wedding anniversary he wrote, “I more than love you, I’m not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone, I’m waiting for you to return so I can start living again.”
Great Couples from History (and Legend)
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.
Leave a Reply