Medieval Literature and Chivalry in the Crown of Aragon

Medieval Chivalry and Crusades

Ramon Llull was a great medieval writer who authored The Book of the Order of Chivalry. Knights were the armed elite of society, tasked with defending the populace and nobility from enemy rulers. They initiated crusades. Medieval crusades aimed to conquer territories, often clashing with Muslim forces. Participating in the Crusades was highly regarded. Crusaders could keep all the riches they acquired. Taking part in a crusade granted automatic pardon for all sins committed. The first crusade in the Iberian Peninsula was not Jerusalem; Jerusalem was the setting for many crusades. The conquests by King James I were against Muslim kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Chivalric Romance Genre

France was a focal point for cultural renewal, where a new literary genre, the roman (romance), emerged. This narrative, written in verse and in French, aimed to promote and uphold chivalric ideals. Notable examples include the Matter of Britain, featuring the adventures of Arthur and his knights in Camelot, an idyllic place of equality, justice, and peace. Important characters and elements include his sword, Excalibur. These works offer significant action and adventure, often featuring fantastic characters. They also explore the concept of courtly love. Chrétien de Troyes was instrumental in Christianizing the Matter of Britain. Chrétien's works achieved great success throughout Europe, leading to numerous prose translations and adaptations. Tirant lo Blanch is a major work, considered a masterpiece of chivalric literature, alongside Curial and Güelfa, which is noted for its powerful storyline and complex characters.

Joanot Martorell and Tirant lo Blanch

Joanot Martorell was born in the 15th century in Valencia, the second of seven children from a family of minor nobility in Gandia. He intended to participate in Alfonso's expedition. His father died, leaving him as the universal heir to his estate. Existing documents show Martorell was involved in many chivalric conflicts, resulting in several letters challenging opponents to battle. One such challenge was sent to his cousin, Joan. This conflict, intended to be resolved in a battle to the death, led him to London to seek an impartial judge. It is known that he visited Portugal and probably Naples, where he must have lived for some time. He began drafting Tirant lo Blanch after this trip.

Medieval Chronicles: Features and Key Works

Medieval chronicles are works that recount the history of a king, a feudal kingdom, or a high-ranking noble, detailing events during their tenure, often serving a propaganda mission. The Four Great Chronicles are:

• 1. The Book of Deeds by King James I (13th century): Narrates his conquests in Mallorca, Ibiza, and the Kingdom of Valencia.
• 2. The Chronicle of King Peter by Bernat Desclot (14th century): Recounts the campaigns of King Peter II of Sicily and the major conflicts against the French.
• 3. The Chronicle by Ramon Muntaner (14th century): Recounts the conquest of Menorca by Alfonso III of Aragon and focuses on the reign of James II the Just.
• 4. The Chronicle by King Peter IV of Aragon (14th century): Details his conflicts with Castile and the struggles against the Aragonese and Valencian nobility.

These chronicles are historical documents intended to enhance national consciousness and foster pride in belonging to the Crown of Aragon. They possess significant literary merit, influenced by works of fiction and chivalric literature, and exhibit a distinctive style.