Walter of Châtillon

Walter of Châtillon, born in the year one thousand one hundred thirty-five, was a prominent figure in the twelfth century, known for his contributions as a writer, theologian, and poet. His literary journey began under the tutelage of Stephen of Beauvais and at the esteemed University of Paris, where he crafted a number of Latin poems in the Goliardic style. These works eventually found their place in the renowned Carmina Burana collection.

Despite his diverse poetic endeavors, Walter gained significant recognition for his epic poem, the Alexandreis, sive Gesta Alexandri Magni. This long Latin epic, which chronicles the life of Alexander the Great, is notable for its hexameter structure and anachronistic elements, including a depiction of the Crucifixion of Jesus occurring during Alexander's era. The Alexandreis was well-received in its time, influencing contemporaries such as Matthew of Vendôme and Alan of Lille, although it has since faded from popular reading.

In addition to his poetry, Walter engaged in theological discourse, writing a dialogue that challenged Jewish interpretations of the Bible and a treatise on the Trinity. He is also possibly linked to the work Moralium dogma philosophorum. However, not all works attributed to him are verifiable; for instance, the satirical Apocalypse of Golias is often mistakenly credited to him.

Walter's life took a notable turn when he entered the service of Guillaume des Blanches Mains, a significant figure related to the French monarchy. The Alexandreis is dedicated to William, with its structure cleverly spelling out his name through the initial letters of its ten books. A thirteenth-century biographical account suggests that Walter may have composed this epic to regain William's favor, following a personal conflict involving jealousy and a scandalous jingle recited at the papal curia. Walter's life came to an end in the early thirteenth century, succumbing to the bubonic plague.