Troubadour Poetry and Chronicles of the Crown of Aragon
Troubadour Poetry
The Troubadour
The troubadour was born in the courts of Occitania. In this context, where women held a prominent role for the first time, a new conception of love emerged: courtly love. This concept idealized women and obligated men to suffer for them, fostering a sense of inferiority in the man’s pursuit of love. In this struggle for her affection, man is alone with a love that is practically impossible. The troubadour expressed his sadness in the Provençal language.
Troubadour and Music
The troubadour’s role extended beyond writing songs. They were not simply poets or reciters; they composed poems to be sung, often accompanied by instruments. Troubadours performed for court ladies and gentlemen, and often lived within the same court. Unlike the jester, whose songs focused on everyday life, the troubadour’s music delved into the complexities of love and human emotion.
Language and Style
Troubadour poetry was written in the language of Provence. Three stylistic tendencies can be distinguished among the troubadours:
- Trobar leu: Simple, direct, and emotional poetry.
- Trobar clus: A more complex and difficult style, often employed by the wealthy.
- Trobar ric: Highly elaborate poetry, full of rhetorical figures.
Metric: The rhythmic system was based on syllable count and the distribution of accents.
The Canso: A love song addressed to the beloved, whose name was often hidden under a pseudonym. The canso was considered the highest genre of troubadour poetry.
Chronicles of the Crown of Aragon
The Chronicle of James I
This is the first chronicle of the Crown of Aragon, written in the first person by James I. It recounts the important events of his life, from his birth until his death. James I explains his personal anecdotes and experiences, offering a unique perspective on his reign. The book is divided into four parts:
- The conquest of Majorca and Valencia.
- Disagreements with Alfonso X.
- Campaigns against the Saracens in Valencia and Murcia.
- The Aragonese revolt of the nobility and new conquests in Catalonia.
James I’s personal style prevails, characterized by heroism, agile narration, and the use of proverbs and popular expressions.
Chronicle of Peter the Great by Bernat Desclot
Written between 1283 and 1288, this chronicle focuses on the reign of Peter the Great. The king is presented as a hero, and the main themes are the intervention of the Crown of Aragon in Italy and the invasion of Catalonia. The main feature of this chronicle is its objectivity and the wealth of information used to present the facts. Bernat Desclot achieved this objectivity by using a variety of sources, including legendary and historiographical texts, personal memoirs, and archives. The style is vigorous, austere, precise, and clear.
Chronicle of Ramon Muntaner
Ramon Muntaner, a political and military figure, was born in Peralada in 1265. His chronicle spans from 1301 until his death in 1336. Muntaner aimed to explain the history of Catalonia he lived through, including the reigns of James I, Peter the Great, Alfonso II, and James II. He constantly highlights his own services and merits, emphasizing the greatness of the Catalan nation. His chronicle is a valuable testimony to the Catalan presence in the East. Muntaner’s language is direct, with abundant use of hyperbole.
Chronicle of Peter IV of Aragon
Peter IV was born in 1309, crowned in 1336, and died in 1387. He promoted a strong cultural movement and was a great organizer. He ordered the creation of the Royal Archives and established a body of copyists and translators. Peter IV’s greatest passion was history. His chronicle recounts the events of his reign with two main purposes: to strengthen the monarchy and to leave a lasting legacy of his actions as king. He admired James I and, perhaps with a desire to emulate him, divided his chronicle into seven books. The main source for this chronicle was chancery documents, but Peter IV also included his own memories, aspirations, and feelings, making it more personalized and detailed. However, the prose is dry, meticulous, and perfectionist.
Ramon Llull
Ramon Llull was born in Majorca in 1232. He married Blanca Picanya and had children. Llull’s work consists of a series of techniques and methods to teach Christian doctrine. His thinking revolves around the idea of converting everyone to Christianity. Llull wrote extensively about his life and travels, never discouraged in his mission. He wrote in Provençal, Arabic, Catalan, and Latin, with an educational and apologetic purpose.
Works in Verse
Llull’s poetry is characterized by its dramatic nature and autobiographical elements. The most important work is Desconhort.
Works in Prose
Noteworthy works include:
- Book of Contemplation
- The Order of Chivalry
- Blanquerna
- Felix or the Book of Wonders
- Book of Beasts
Humanism
In the 14th century, human reason began to challenge the prevailing worldview. During the medieval period, everything was explained through divine right. However, a new attitude emerged, characterized by a greater confidence in the potential of the human mind to answer life’s questions. This marked the beginning of the humanist movement.