Medieval Spanish Literary Forms
Epic Poetry
Medieval epic poetry is constituted by so-called epic poems.
Examples
French Epic
- Chanson de Roland: Based on the historical figure of the knight Roland from Charlemagne’s court.
Spanish Epic
- Cantar de Mio Cid: The only preserved Castilian epic. Based on the last years of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, El Cid, a knight at the courts of Sancho IV and Alfonso VI of Castile and León. Attributed to Per Abbat.
Structure of Cantar de Mio Cid
The poem is structured in three parts:
- Song of Exile: Narrates events from the Cid’s banishment to his victories.
- Wedding Song: From the beginning of his triumphs to the wedding of the Cid’s daughters in Valencia.
- Song of Reproach to Corpes: Ranges from the lion scene with the hero to the final triumph.
Style of Epic Poetry
A key feature is the use of formulas, groups of words, formulas with phatic function, and epic epithets.
Mester de Clerecía
Narrative poetry that emerged in the 13th century.
Characteristics
- Religious or heroic character.
- Moral or didactic intent.
- Written in verse using a regular meter (cuaderna vía: four-line stanzas, alexandrine verse).
- Works were intended for individual or collective reading.
- Disseminated orally by clerics (sermons).
Authors and Works
Gonzalo de Berceo
The first Castilian poet known by name. His poems are addressed to priests, monks, and novices in vernacular language.
Works
- Hagiographic: Life of San Millán de la Cogolla
- Marian praises: Milagros de Nuestra Señora
- Doctrinal: Sacrificio de la Misa
Milagros de Nuestra Señora
Berceo exalts the Virgin’s power as a mediator in the salvation of souls. It has two parts:
- Introduction: The narrator is the protagonist.
- Miracles: Actions of Mary’s mercy.
Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita
Libro de Buen Amor
Presented as a structured autobiography in a series of affairs, usually unsuccessful, where a go-between is often introduced. The language incorporates folk proverbs, addresses the listener, and includes sexual euphemisms.
Romances
Characteristics
- Anonymous narrative poems intended to be sung.
- Generally consist of eight-syllable verses rhyming in assonance.
- Old romances are documented from the late Middle Ages to the 16th century.
- Composed based on thematic criteria.
Classification
- Epic-medieval romances: Derived from epics, extolling virtues. Subject matters include French Carolingian epic.
- Historical romances: Relating to border themes, narrating events.
- Moorish romances: Narrating struggles and episodes.
- Love romances: Show fiction, teasing, etc.
- Greco-Roman and Religious romances: Recount Bible episodes, including apocryphal gospels.
Medieval Novels
Chivalry Novel
Tells the heroic adventures of a knight-errant, faithful to his lady and champion of justice and the oppressed. The knight travels, facing different tests and supernatural factors.
Sentimental Novel
Focuses on the emotional states and internal conflicts of characters rather than external action, deepening through letters and poems. These develop a sad love story with a tragic outcome.
- Example: Cárcel de Amor by Diego de San Pedro.
Narrative Features and Style
Narrative Features: Chronological order is common. Abrupt style.
Style: Abrupt and distinctive. Uses archaic verbs, formulas, repetitions, and other resources.