Margaret of Valois, born on May 14, 1553, was a French princess and the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici. She is best known for her marriage to Henry of Navarre, which aimed to unite the warring factions of Catholics and Protestants during the French Wars of Religion. Margaret's life was marked by political intrigue and personal struggles. She was often caught in the conflicts of her time, including the infamous St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Despite her tumultuous life, she became a significant figure in French history and literature, known for her intelligence and resilience.