Medieval Spanish History and Traditional Lyric Poetry
Chronology of the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages (MA) is the period from the 5th century to the 15th century. It is divided into:
- High Middle Ages (5th-12th Century): In the 10th century, the first written texts appear, such as the Glosses of Silos and Emilianense annotations.
- Late Middle Ages (12th-15th Century):
- 13th Century: Clergy, Universities, and monastic schools flourish.
- 14th Century: The first authors begin to sign their works.
- 15th Century: Medieval crises occur as the period gives way to the Renaissance.
Historical and Social Context
- 218 BC: Roman Invasion and the establishment of a linguistic unit (Romanization).
- 3rd-4th Century AD: Religious unity through Christianity.
- 409 AD: Germanic invasion (Swabians, Vandals, and Alans).
- 711 AD: Muslim invasion. The period concludes in 1492 with the Reconquest of the peninsula.
The population was very diverse due to multiple invasions. Groups included Christians and Muslims, Mozarabs (Christians in Muslim territory), Mudejars (Muslims in Christian areas), Moriscos (Muslims who became Christian), and Jews. Additionally, populations arrived from Central Europe starting in the 12th century.
The Nobility
- Ricoshombres
- Infanzones and Hijosdalgo
- Knights
In the early Middle Ages, the nobility was largely illiterate but focused on warfare. By the 12th century, society advanced, and noble ideals became impregnated with religious ethics. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the nobility began to study and court life emerged (festivals, tournaments). By the end of the 16th century, the king enlisted the help of nobles to fight across Europe.
The Church
In the 5th century, monasteries were closed for fear of barbarians. They reopened in the 12th century as monastic schools. The 13th century saw the rise of Clericalism, but by the 14th and 15th centuries, the church's influence began to decay. Throughout this time, theocentrism (God as the center) was the primary worldview.
The Common People
The common people were generally illiterate and composed of the working class:
- Serfs: Slaves or laborers bound to the land.
- Guilds: Merchants and artisans.
- Bourgeoisie: An emerging class of town-dwellers.
Popular and Traditional Poetry
The Three Lyrical Cores
- Arabic-Andalusian: Jarchas (11th Century).
- Galician-Portuguese: Cantigas (13th Century).
- Castilian: Carols (15th Century).
These forms arose during periods of peace when writing became more prevalent.
Jarchas
Jarchas are Mozarabic language ditties sung by Christians living in Arab-dominated territory. Learned poets (Arabic or Hebrew) closed their educated compositions with these jarchas. The number of lines varies between 2 and 5. They utilize assonance rhyme, though free verse and consonant rhyme can also be found. The theme is usually a woman's suffering for love, often addressed to a confidante like a mother or sister. They use simple, straightforward language with few literary devices.
Cantigas
Spanning the 11th, 13th, and 14th centuries (notably after the 9th-century discovery of the tomb of Santiago), Provencal literature influenced these songs in Galician and Castilian. There are three main types:
- Cantigas de Amigo: Elaborate and lengthy texts from the 13th century. Some authors are known. The confidant is often a mother, sister, nature, or friends. They feature complex metrics and rhythmic repetition with consonant rhymes. Themes include love, dance, and music. Sub-types include Barcarolles (love and the sea), Pastorelas (shepherdess and gentleman), Pilgrimages (a girl at church for her lover), and Alboradas (amorous encounters at dawn).
- Cantigas de Amor: Cultured poems reflecting Provencal influence and courtly love.
- Cantigas de Escarnio: Also influenced by Provence, these are satirical. There are two types: Burlescas and Cursing.