Essential Medieval Spanish Literature and Literary Genres

Poema de Mio Cid

The Poema de Mio Cid is an epic poem that tells the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, El Cid, a Castilian nobleman who lived in the second half of the 11th century. The poem recounts the loss and recovery of honor of the Cid, who was unjustly exiled by King Alfonso VI. It is composed of 3,730 verses and is divided into three parts:

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

Gonzalo de Berceo: Milagros de Nuestra Señora

Gonzalo de Berceo was born in the late 12th century in Berceo. His life was centered in the Monastery of San Millán, and he is the first known author in the Spanish language. His major work, Milagros de Nuestra Señora, is a collection of 25 stories featuring the Virgin Mary. The structure is consistent: a person commits a sin, and the Virgin intervenes to save their soul or life.

Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita: Libro de Buen Amor

Juan Ruiz, who served as the Archpriest of Hita, wrote the Libro de buen amor around 1350. This work recounts a series of affairs in the form of an autobiography. It is an innovative text that utilizes parody and irony with a fresh and energetic style.

Don Juan Manuel: El Conde Lucanor

El Conde Lucanor is a didactic book whose central part is formed by 51 teaching tales. The stories follow a consistent pattern: Count Lucanor poses a problem to his servant, Patronio, and asks for advice. Patronio tells an anecdote and concludes with a moral.

Literary Genres

Epic or Narrative Genre

This genre recounts the actions of characters:

• The Epic: A long narrative poem recounting the origins of a people.
• The Epic Poem: A medieval poem detailing the exploits of a historical hero.
• The Story: A short narrative with a simple framework.
• The Novel: An extended prose narrative relating the actions of a character, often mixing different textual elements.

Lyrical Genre

This genre expresses the voice of the author or feigned feelings:

• The Song: A rhythmic composition, often expressing loving feelings.
• The Elegy: A sad composition that expresses pain.
• The Ode: A high-pitched composition praising someone or something.

Dramatic or Theatrical Genre

This genre is activated through dialogue:

• The Tragedy: Features heroic characters facing tragic situations with an unhappy end.
• The Comedy: Features normal people facing everyday situations with a humorous tone.
• The Tragicomedy or Drama: Combines features of both tragedy and comedy, featuring both comic and tragic events.