Though the date of his birth is unknown, it is suggested that Rabelais was born in 1494 in the province of Touraine in France. Rabelais trained as a Franciscan mendicant—during which period he also studied law—and was ordained as a priest, but was heavily influenced by the humanists at Touraine. His interest in Greek, Latin, and the classics ignited his love for ancient learning, which was one of the principles of Renaissance humanism.

Since the Franciscans objected to his study of Greek, Rabelais joined the Benedictine order of monks, later switching to the study of medicine. While working as a physician, he started writing satirical pamphlets in his spare time, critiquing various aspects of social and religious life. His interest in humanism grew, and he famously wrote an admiring letter to the Dutch philosopher Erasmus.

In 1532, Rabelais published Pantagruel, a folklore-like novel inspired by the popular legend of Gargantua (from the Spanish word for throat: garganta). Condemned by censors, the book was a popular success, prompting Rabelais to publish its prequel Gargantua in 1534-1535. The other works of the pentalogy were greatly appreciated by readers, but Rabelais’s sharp satire—especially concerning the clergy—earned him disapproval as well.