Medieval Spain: Society, Culture, and the Birth of Spanish Literature

Characteristics of the Medieval Period

The era ranges from the 5th century (V), following the fall of the Roman Empire, until the 15th century (XV).

Historical Context: The Reconquista

This period faced several centuries of Muslim presence. Christian kingdoms sought to reclaim territory (the Reconquista). Furthermore, in the same year, the Jews were expelled from the peninsula. The division of land was significantly different from today's structure.

Cultural Landscape of Medieval Spain

There were three major coexisting cultures: Christian, Andalusian (Islamic), and Jewish. The Church had an obvious impact on medieval thought, making God the center of life (Theocentrism).

Structure of Medieval Society

Medieval society was characterized by three distinct classes:

• The Nobility (La Nobleza): They were feudal lords who possessed and dominated large estates.
• The Clergy (El Clero): Formed by priests and religious figures, they were positioned by their religious spirit and influence.
• The Common People (El Pueblo): Formed by peasants who worked the land in exchange for protection.

Medieval Spanish Literature: Lyric and Epic

Popular Lyric Poetry (11th–15th Centuries)

These compositions, prevalent from the 11th to the 15th centuries, are typically short. Their basic features include:

• Metric: Lines of arte menor (short verse) with assonance rhyme.
• Style: Simple and easy, often utilizing repetitive techniques.

Mozarabic Lyric: Jarchas and Moaxajas

The oldest examples of Spanish literature are found here. These compositions, called Jarchas, appear at the end of longer poems known as Moaxajas.

Castilian Lyric Poetry

These compositions are popular in character and were transmitted orally. Other forms include the compositions of the Albada (dawn song), the May (May song), and various work songs.

Castilian Epic Poetry (12th–14th Centuries)

Between the 12th and 14th centuries, these compositions were transmitted orally by bards (juglares). This literary current is known as the Mester de Juglaría (Minstrelsy).

Characteristics of Epic Poems

Epic poems are extended narratives in verse form. Their characteristics include:

• Purpose: They have a dual purpose: to inform and to teach.
• Content: They narrate events.
• Protagonist: The central figure is a hero who serves as a model to follow.
• Metric: The verses are long (typically 14 or 16 syllables), divided into two hemistichs by a pause (caesura), and utilize assonance rhyme throughout.

The Romance (Ballad)

The Romance consists of a series of octosyllabic verses (8 syllables) with assonance rhyme in the even lines. Its key features are:

• Simplicity: Characterized by simplicity and brief descriptions.
• Oral Character: Requires the use of resources typical of oral discourse.
• Fragmentary Nature: The narrative is often abruptly discontinued without revealing the final development.

Romances include both historical and fictional content.