The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. It follows a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral, who entertain each other by telling tales. The stories, told in verse and prose, reflect different aspects of medieval society, featuring themes of love, chivalry, corruption, and morality. Through characters like the Knight, the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, and the Miller, Chaucer provides a vivid and often humorous portrait of medieval life, using satire and irony to critique social norms.