Medieval Literature: Troubadours and Courtly Love
Medieval Culture
Medieval writing primarily used Latin. Latin’s influence extended to Germanic countries through the Church. Around the 8th century, Romance languages began to emerge. Religion heavily dominated the cultural landscape, reflecting a theocentric worldview.
Medieval Literature
Troubadours and other poets played significant roles during this era. Latin-writing poets were often clergymen. Troubadours composed and performed in Occitan/Provençal. Minstrels were professional reciters who traveled from village to village, sharing poems and stories.
Troubadour Poetry
This marked the first literary expression in the vernacular. It was lyrical and often anonymous. Troubadour poetry was a cultured art form, expressed in Occitan, the language spoken in Southern France.
Songbooks
Songbooks (circa 1250) are compilations of poems by various authors. These were copied in Italy and other regions where Occitan wasn’t spoken, preserving the tradition. Songbooks also included poetic rules for composing good poetry.
Troubadours
Troubadours were typically of noble origin and composed both poetry and music. They didn’t usually sing their compositions themselves but employed minstrels for that purpose, performing only occasionally in courts. The term “troubadour” comes from the Occitan word meaning “to compose verses and music.” Marcabru and Cercamon were two notable exceptions, troubadours of non-noble origin.
Minstrels entertained people with various forms of amusement. Some specialized in epic poems and songs of heroic deeds. They had considerable freedom to improvise and adapt performances to suit their audience. However, when reciting troubadour lyrics, they were expected to maintain fidelity to the original composition. Some troubadours employed minstrels to disseminate their work.
Thematic Troubadour Poetry
Courtly Love: This theme mirrored the feudal relationship between lord and vassal, but with the lady and the troubadour as the central figures. The lady was often married, adding to the intrigue and secrecy of the troubadour’s poetic expressions.
Genres
- Canso: The richest poetic compositions with elaborate rhetoric.
- Troubadour Cluses: A complex writing style with intricate meanings.
- Troubadour Up: Simple and straightforward poems.
- Lyrics: Love poems and poems about nature, often expressing courtly love.
- Sirventes: Poems praising war or satirizing adversaries.
- Tenso: Poetic debates between two or more troubadours.
- Pastorela: A dialogue, usually about love, between a troubadour and a shepherdess.
- Alba: A piece where a woman warns the troubadour of approaching dawn.
Some troubadours, like Ramon Vidal de Besalú, wrote instructional pieces for minstrels, advising them on performance techniques and profitable locations. Famous troubadours include Guilhem de Poitiers, Bertrand de Ventadorn, Jaufre Rudel, Arnaut Daniel, Bertran de Born, Guillem de Berguedà, Guillem de Cabestany, Huguet de Mataplana, and Geoffrey de Foix.
Language and Literature in Catalonia
Catalan originated from Vulgar Latin around the 5th century. Until the 8th century, writing was primarily in Latin, mostly notarial, judicial, and religious texts. From the 8th century onward, vernacular sermons appeared, and the first two books in Catalan emerged in the 12th century.
Ramon Llull
Ramon Llull, the first major Catalan author, initially pursued scientific studies. However, in 1299, he began writing verse and songs in Catalan.
Epic Poetry
Two theories explain the origins of epic poetry: the Romantic theory, proposed by Joseph Bédier, suggests that popular stories arose spontaneously. The Neo-traditionalist theory, supported by scholars like M. Lora and J. Perry, posits that epics developed from historical accounts. Both theories acknowledge the importance of popular tradition and the role of a skilled author in shaping and disseminating the stories through minstrels.
The Four Great Chronicles
These chronicles share common characteristics: they focus on the kings of the Barcelona dynasty, portraying them positively. They emphasize divine providence, suggesting that events unfold according to God’s will. They also serve a didactic purpose, offering examples of virtuous kingship for future generations, particularly princes and nobility.
Chronicle of James I
This chronicle justifies Aragonese kingship against French claims, comparing James I to figures like Alexander the Great. It features a dramatic ending, with the king’s death at the height of his power.
Almogàvers: An elite Aragonese military corps, known for their strength and speed in battle.
Royal Court: The administrative body responsible for handling and preserving royal documentation. Officials were often multilingual, proficient in Latin, Catalan, and Aragonese.
Religious Literature
Interest in religion increased during this period, but without significant questioning of established doctrines.
Jordi de Sant Jordi
A Valencian knight and writer, known for his short love songs (18 compositions) linked to the troubadour tradition of courtly love.
Paraphrase of the Poem “Lacked Friends of Property and Mr.”:
The poem expresses the loneliness and desolation of captivity. It contrasts the speaker’s current state with past comforts and luxuries. The speaker finds solace in having fulfilled his duty to his lord. The greatest hardship is the knowledge that his release is within Sforza’s power but remains unattainable. The poem concludes with an appeal to God and the king for help.
Ramon Llull’s Literary Influence
Ramon Llull’s innovative use of Catalan established a literary model for subsequent authors. He had a profound impact on the development of Catalan literature.
Sirventesos of Guillem de Berguedà
Guillem de Berguedà was a prominent Catalan troubadour. He wrote 28 poems, many of which are sirventesos, reflecting his involvement in feudal conflicts. His style is vigorous and passionate, employing a wide range of original techniques.
Ausiàs March
Ausiàs March was a Valencian knight and poet. He is considered one of the most important figures in medieval Valencian and Catalan literature. His work departs from the conventions of troubadour poetry, expressing personal and sincere emotions. He broke the mold of courtly love, exploring themes of love, the relationship between man and God, death, and ethical dilemmas.