Long ago, in medieval times, great poetry tournaments were held, and none so great as in France at the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Great poets from many lands came to compete and once a year a winner would bring to himself fame and prestige.
There was one year when a mysterious young man, clad in white, won the prize.
However he would not reveal his name or the place from whence he came.
This made him ever more popular with the women of the court, and none was more infatuated than Griselda, the daughter of Lord Foix.
She declared her love for him and implored him to take her wherever he would go.
He agreed to marry her and take her away, but only on the condition that she could only see him when he wished and must never try to break his privacy for any reason.
She agreed.
That night they slept together in the castle of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and when she woke up it was in an unfamiliar place.
It was of room of complete luxury draped with silks and adorned with precious stones.
Her new husband lay beside her smiling in pure happiness.
"This is your new home now," said the young man.
"Every luxury you could ever want has been seen to.
There are hawks for hunting, horses for riding, maidens to serve you, musicians and jesters to amuse you and the finest clothing.
You may have whatever you wish.
" "I wish only for your love," she replied.
"Very well," he said, "but remember your vow.
You must never venture to see beyond the door of my study.
" For many years they lived together in bliss.
She truly believed that she had entered paradise, and thanked the angels that had led her to so joyous a life.
But, as time went on she became ever more curious as to the happenings that occurred in her lords secret room.
And so one day, with proud resolve, she ventured to peek inside the door.
What did she see but the fair young man who was her husband grow and expand into a terrible and enormous green dragon.
She could not help but whimper at such a monstrous sight.
Immediately the monster turned toward the door and saw his wife looking at him in terror.
With a sad look in his eyes he called on his servants to return her to the place where they met, the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Heartbroken, to be forever separated from her true love, she remained at that court for the rest of her days, writing beautiful and melancholy verses about the dragon she had loved.