Marie of France was a medieval poet and the first known female poet in the French language. She lived in the late 12th century and is best known for her narrative poems, called lais, which often explore themes of love, chivalry, and the supernatural. Her works were influential in the development of courtly literature. Marie was likely born in Amiens, France, and may have been a member of the nobility. Her most famous collection, "Lais of Marie de France," includes stories like "Lanval" and "Bisclavret," showcasing her skill in weaving complex characters and moral lessons into her tales.