Essential Masterpieces of Medieval Spanish Literature

Alfonso X: The Wise King of Castile

Alfonso X succeeded to the throne of Castile in 1252. During his reign, he produced an important body of cultural work that earned him the nickname "The Wise." His greatest contribution was to the Castilian language and culture. Alphonsine works caused an enrichment of Castilian vocabulary and syntax. He used Castilian as the official language in the drafting of royal documents and laws.

Don Juan Manuel and El Conde Lucanor

Don Juan Manuel was the first writer who proved to have a clear understanding of language arts. El Conde Lucanor, the most outstanding work of Don Juan Manuel, combines education and entertainment. The author tries to educate a wide audience, and he uses elements like narrative fiction. The work consists of 51 examples. Each example provides models and behavioral patterns that increase the moral reputation of the person or improve their property. All stories have a common concern: honor, wealth, and status.

The Book of Good Love by Juan Ruiz

The Book of Good Love is one of the most original creations of European medieval lyric poetry. The only thing known about its author is that his name was Juan Ruiz, and he spent part of his time writing songs for minstrels. He held the position of Archpriest of Hita (Guadalajara). The Book of Good Love tells a fictional series of affairs attributable to the Archpriest himself, revealing a powerful sexual appetite. The author aims to fulfill a teaching mission: his purpose is to point out the error of those who indulge in the passion of love, suggesting it is wiser to devote oneself to the proper love of God, which is the only way to perfect the spirit and save the soul. Throughout the book, the author alternates the profane with the sacred and the comic with the serious.

Gonzalo de Berceo: Religious Poetry

Gonzalo de Berceo was a cleric born in La Rioja around 1196. He wrote nine great poems on religious themes, among which the best known is The Miracles of Our Lady. This work tells, in a simple and familiar style, twenty-five wonders wrought by the Virgin Mary. The purpose of the book is to encourage the cult of the Mother of God.

Cantar de Mio Cid: The Epic of Rodrigo Díaz

Cantar de Mio Cid chronicles the exploits of Rodrigo Díaz, a real historical figure born around 1043. The basic theme of the poem is the recovery of honor by the protagonist. Exile represents the loss of public honor, which Rodrigo recovers through the conquest of Valencia, earning him the royal pardon. Once at the peak of his political power, the humiliation and neglect of his daughters leads him to lose his private honor, which is restored by the announcement of the wedding of his daughters to the sons of kings.

El Cantar de Mio Cid is notable for its realism in the description of daily life, the restraint with which characters and actions are drawn, and the optimistic tone that dominates the plot. The structure consists of three parts:

• The Song of Exile
• The Song of the Wedding
• The Song of the Affront of Corpes