Troubadour Poetry: Feudal Society, Courtly Love, and Political Influence
Troubadour Poetry
Feudal Society
Feudal society was structured around two primary classes: those who commanded and did not work (the nobility), and those who worked and obeyed (the peasantry). The nobility resided in palaces and castles, managing their lands. The peasantry lived in simple dwellings made of mud and reeds, engaged in farming and animal husbandry.
To maximize the benefits derived from their lands, lords formed armies of loyal vassals, linked hierarchically through oaths of loyalty and dependence. This network’s primary objective was to subjugate serfs and slaves, enabling the nobility to live without manual labor.
The Oath of Allegiance
Hierarchical relations between nobles were formalized through written contracts and a ritual of homage and oath of allegiance. The vassal would present himself before the lord, place his hands between the lord’s, kiss him, and publicly declare his oath.
Court Culture
From the eleventh century onward, the courts of feudal lords in Western Europe developed a distinct culture, characterized by the exaltation of chivalric and heroic virtues. According to this mentality, a courtly gentleman was expected to be courageous, generous, gentle, loyal, and intelligent. Furthermore, he was expected to be in love with a lady.
Troubadour poetry emerged within this cultural context, accurately reflecting the life, social environment, and values of the nobility in feudal court life. In every court, many women held positions of influence, often serving as the lady at the center of courtly attention. Knights were expected to pay tribute to these noble ladies, who were frequently educated, wealthy, and powerful.
The Song of Courtly Love
During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the fashion of composing and singing love songs spread throughout feudal courts, particularly in southern France, Galicia, and northern Italy. Troubadours were commissioned to write the lyrics and music, while minstrels performed them. These songs of courtly love shared similar characteristics.
The poet would sing of the lady’s courtesy and beauty, expressing his love and requesting to be accepted as her vassal. Guillem de Cabestany was renowned for his ability to express the sentiments of courtly love.
Poetry as a Political Weapon
Troubadour poetry also served political and social purposes. When a nobleman wished to vilify an enemy, he would commission a poem, set it to a popular tune, and have it sung in castles and town squares. These poems were known as sirventesos. Wilhelm Bergueda, a prominent troubadour of the twelfth century, was known for his aggressive temperament.
Troubadour Poetry in Catalan-Speaking Areas
The prestige of troubadour lyric poetry was so significant that Catalan poets not only composed their poems in the style of Provençal troubadours but also adopted their language. By the twelfth century, Occitan had become the language of Catalan poetry. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:
- Geographic proximity
- Linguistic affinity between Occitan and Catalan
- Strong economic and political ties
Catalan poetry began with troubadours who composed their poems in Occitan. This situation persisted until the fifteenth century, when the poet Ausias March began writing his works in Catalan, definitively abandoning the Provençal language and the style of the troubadours.