That’s epic: Legendary love stories through history we love

If there is one feeling that is universal, its love. The feeling of love transcends boundaries and time itself. No wonder then, that ancient myths to modern-day romances, all hold a special place in our hearts. Epic love stories that deal with the depths of human emotion and the power of love to conquer all obstacles, have always and will continue to enthral readers for infinity.

Since it’s February and love is constantly in the air, invoking the timeless allure of legendary romances seems like the right thing to do. So let us delve into a few epic love stories that have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations, reminding us that love truly knows no bounds.

Orpheus and Eurydice

The Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice depicts a love that withstands the ultimate test of death itself. In this tale, Orpheus falls deeply in love with Eurydice and their happiness seems boundless until tragedy strikes and Eurydice dies. Heartbroken, Orpheus descends into the underworld to plead for her return.

Moved by his devotion, Hades (the god of the dead and the king of the underworld) agrees to let her return to the world of the living but under one condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until they have reached the surface. Unfortunately, Orpheus cannot resist and thus, Eurydice is lost forever.

Their story shows us the power of love that transcends even death and interestingly, also teaches us the importance of trust and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Mirza-Sahiba

Mirza-Sahiba is an epic Indian tale of forbidden romance between Mirza, a skilled archer, and Sahiba, a village belle. Their love defies societal and familial expectations and sets the stage for a tragic narrative.

Despite the deep affection shared between Mirza and Sahiba, their union is plagued by betrayal—Sahiba’s family orchestrates a plan to separate them, leading to Sahiba unwittingly betraying Mirza’s trust. Yet, the power of love wins as Mirza not only forgives her but even sacrifices his life for her. Their tragic story throws light on how love can be complicated and how lovers tend to find strength even when things get difficult.

Napoleon and Josephine

In the records of history, the love story of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine is a tale of passion, ambition and political intrigue. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Napoleon and Josephine were drawn to each other. They were married, but this was a tumultuous union, marked by infidelities and separations. And yet, their bond remained unbreakable.

Napoleon wrote passionate love letters to Josephine during his military campaigns and she remained his greatest confidante and source of comfort. Napoleon’s love for Josephine remained the same until his death. In their love story, we see a complex kind of romance that bloomed amidst power struggles.

Tristan and Isolde

Tristan and Isolde is a legendary medieval tale of forbidden love that has captivated people for centuries. The story follows the ill-fated romance between Tristan, a knight of Cornwall, and Isolde (also known as Iseult), an Irish princess.

In this tale, although Isolde is betrothed to someone else, she falls deeply in love with Tristan. Despite their best efforts to suppress their feelings, Tristan and Isolde could not deny their love for each other and that ultimately lead to tragic consequences. The complexities of love and passion are thrown in abundance in this beloved tragedy.

Baji Rao I and Mastani

The love story of Baji Rao I and Mastani is a legendary one that has been immortalised in Indian folklore, literature and cinema. Baji Rao I was a renowned Peshwa of the Maratha empire, while Mastani was a princess of Bundelkhand. Their relationship faced opposition from Baji Rao’s family and society due to their cultural differences and social statuses.

Despite humungous challenges, Baji Rao and Mastani’s love for each other kept growing stronger,  enduring several obstacles in their lifetime. In fact, their love story continues to be celebrated for transcending boundaries and societal norms even today.

Romeo and Juliet

Perhaps the most iconic love stories of all time, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet follows the romance between Romeo, a member of the Montague family, and Juliet, a member of the rival Capulet family.

Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite their families’ long-standing feud. The young still marry each other secretly, in hopes of ending the conflict between their families. However, their love is doomed from the start, and their story ends tragically with both lovers taking their own lives. In Romeo and Juliet, we see the consequences of divisive hatred and violence that are often hurled at innocent love.

Heer Ranjha

Heer Ranjha find themselves in the list of most epic love stories in Indian folklore. In fact, their lives have been immortalised in Punjabi literature and folk songs. The heartwarming story revolves around Heer, a beautiful woman and Ranjha, a handsome musician who, despite belonging to different social classes, fall in love. Their union faces opposition from Heer’s family, leading to tragic consequences. This tale of undying love is celebrated for its poetic beauty and timeless appeal.

As we reflect on these timeless love stories, we are reminded of the power of love that transcends boundaries and conquers all obstacles. Whether tragic or triumphant, these epic romances inspire generations to believe in the possibility of true and everlasting affection.

As we carry these stories within us, we also learn to appreciate the power of love, of how it makes us happy, hopeful and strong.