Medieval Moral Literature and the Rise of Chivalric Novels

Moral and Religious Literature

During the 14th and 15th centuries, a profound spiritual crisis influenced the evolution of society. Preachers sought to address this shift through evangelization and moral guidance. Three key figures defined this era:

Key Religious Figures

• Francesc Eiximenis: A devout Franciscan friar, bishop, and patriarch who traveled extensively across Europe. His work possessed a clear educational and informational intent, targeting both religious and secular audiences through engaging narratives. Notable works include Llibre de les dones and Llibre dels àngels.
• Vicent Ferrer: A Dominican friar highly influential in the intellectual formation of the Papal Court. He played a significant role in the Compromise of Caspe and the Western Schism. His sermons aimed to reform the moral habits of society, though his intense preaching occasionally incited social unrest and religious persecution.
• Anselm Turmeda: A Mallorcan Franciscan friar who later converted to Islam and lived in Tunis. His works were banned by the Inquisition. His most significant text, Disputa de l'ase (Dispute of the Ass), explores the nature and nobility of animals.

The Chivalric Novel

The chivalric novel originated from traditional French verse narratives known as romans. These courtly texts were designed for reading and emphasized chivalric ideals and the role of women in court life.

Characteristics of the Chivalric Genre

• Courtly Elements: Unlike the epic song, the roman focused on reading and courtly love.
• Protagonists: The stories feature knights-errant who depart from the court to embark on journeys and adventures.
• Setting: While early tales were set in Britain, later chivalric books moved to exotic locations filled with fantasy and dreams.

These books gained immense popularity during the 15th century. By focusing on the pursuit of honor, they became a primary source of inspiration for future novelists.