The origins of this myth-story are lost in the depths of the centuries, and finding them is no easy task. Over time, the legend of Tristan became one of the most widespread poetic tales of medieval Europe. In the British Isles, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Italy, it became a source of inspiration for authors of stories and chivalric romances. In the 11th–13th centuries, numerous literary versions of this legend appeared. They became an integral part of the then widespread творчества knights and troubadours who sang of great romantic love. One version of the Tristan legend gave rise to another, that one to a third; each subsequent one expanded the main plot, adding new details and touches; some of them became independent literary works, true works of art.