A tragic love story unfolds between the knight Troilus and the maiden Cresseid during the Trojan War. Troilus, a valiant warrior, falls deeply in love with Cresseid, the daughter of a priest who has defected to the Greek side. Their love is passionate but ultimately doomed by fate and the shifting allegiances of war. Cresseid, fearing abandonment and seeking a more advantageous match, ultimately betrays Troilus, leading to his despair and her own eventual suffering and death.

The Testament of Cresseid is widely regarded as a powerful and poignant continuation of the Troilus and Criseyde legend, offering a darker, more tragic perspective on the fate of its titular heroine. Critics often praise Henryson's masterful use of Middle Scots and his unflinching portrayal of Cresseid's suffering and moral decline. The poem's exploration of themes such as the fickleness of love, the harsh realities of social ostracism, and the inescapable hand of fate resonates deeply with readers. Its stark contrast to Chaucer's more romanticized version solidifies its place as a significant work of medieval literature, often studied for its thematic depth and poetic artistry.