Galician Literature's Decline: 16th-18th Centuries

The 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries marked a period of significant decline for Galician literature, often referred to as the 'Dark Centuries.' During this time, the Galician language was limited almost exclusively to oral use, losing much of its written application.

Historical Context: The Dark Centuries

Political Landscape and Language Suppression

At the end of the 15th century, the struggle for the Castilian crown between Joanna la Beltraneja and Isabella the Catholic divided the nobility into two factions: secular and ecclesiastical. This political status quo was maintained through the 17th century and further strengthened in the 18th century with the Bourbon dynasty, leading to the imposition of Spanish in all official spheres of life.

Cultural Landscape and Artistic Movements

Dominant Artistic Styles

During this period, three major art movements developed:

• Renaissance: Originating in Italy, it extended across Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Baroque: Developed throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Neoclassicism: Emerged at the end of the 18th century.

The Status of the Galician Language

Galician society transitioned into one where most powerful classes, and consequently much of the population, expressed themselves in Spanish.

Galician Literary Production (16th-18th Centuries)

Literary production during this period was very scarce. The existing works can be classified into two main groups: erudite (or 'cult') literature and popular literature.

Erudite Literature

In the 17th and 18th centuries, erudite literary expressions appeared in three genres:

• Poetry: Cultivation was occasional, often motivated by social events of the time. This was particularly notable in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Prose: Primarily consisted of historical accounts and enforceable legal texts.
• Theater: The famous interlude on fishing in the Minho River is a key example.

The 18th century marked the Enlightenment, characterized by the cultivation of science and the triumph of reason. From this period, new voices emerged, advocating for the culture and dignity of the Galician language.

Popular Literature

• Popular Poetry: Transmitted orally from generation to generation, often focusing on traditional themes or historical circumstances. Christmas carols (panxoliñas) were also very popular.
• Narrative: Consisted of tales and legends. Tales could be wonderful or exemplary, while legends might be humorous, etiological, hagiographical, or historical.
• Theater: Religious representations were common during festive dates (Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi), as were profane performances (May festivals, Carnival, and regueifas).