Medieval Spanish Literature: Minstrelsy and Clergy

The Mester de Juglaría

In the Middle Ages, after traditional lyric poetry, a new form of literature in verse emerged. These works are grouped into two trends, or schools, also called mesteres. The Mester de Juglaría refers to the school of literature in verse where jesters entertained audiences with jokes, juggling, and songs.

Epic Compositions

Epic compositions are narratives that explain events related to war. They are stories in verse characterized by a regular meter and assonant rhyme. These extensive compositions, such as the Cantar de Mio Cid with over 3700 verses, tell the hazañas (deeds) of a major national hero who lived through important events or actions for their people.

Origin

Literary scholars debate whether these epics were the individual creation of a poet or linked to oral literature. Some conclude that they were initially anonymous compositions, later organized and written down by poets for wider dissemination.

Themes

These works deal with conflicts, wars, and battles, featuring a heroic character with exaggerated, almost incredible elements.

Meter

The metric measurement of the lines is irregular, predominantly verses of 14 or 16 syllables, divided into two hemistiches. The rhyme is assonant and not grouped into stanzas but in series of an undetermined number.

Style

Expressions are used to demand the audience's attention and bring them closer to the story. Action verbs are abundant, reflecting everyday language but with some archaic words used in different meanings. Many aspects of daily life are depicted, including war attire.

Main Epic Poems

Notable works include:

• Cantar de Mio Cid (also known as Poema del Cid)
• Mocedades del Cid
• Cantar de Roncesvalles
• Bernardo del Carpio

Most of these works were lost due to their oral tradition.

El Cantar de Mio Cid

El Cantar de Mio Cid is an epic poem of over 3700 lines, the best-preserved example of its kind, despite a missing folio. It recounts the historical deeds of the warrior Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar. It is preserved in a single copy derived from a manuscript.

Plot

The Cid undertakes various activities to regain the honor of the king, leading to his pardon. The king then forces his daughters to marry the Infantes de Carrión. The poem is divided into three cantares:

1. Cantar del Destierro (Song of Exile): The Cid leaves his home and begins his battles.
2. Cantar de las Bodas (Song of the Weddings): The Cid's daughters marry the Infantes, leading to the recovery of the king's favor.
3. Cantar de la Afrenta de Corpes (Song of the Outrage of Corpes): The Infantes mistreat the Cid's daughters, leading to a final conflict and the restoration of the Cid's honor.

The poem emphasizes themes of honor, power, and integrity.

Mester de Clerecía

The Mester de Clerecía refers to works related to stories of virgins and saints, created through the office of the clergy. These works mainly deal with stories of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints. It is a literary school of narrative poetry with a cult character, developed in the 12th and 14th centuries, primarily intended for didactic purposes.

Miracles

Miracles are stories where a sinner is debated between the Virgin Mary and God. When the sinner is about to be punished, the Virgin Mary intervenes to save them.

Book of Good Love

The Book of Good Love is a fictional autobiography focusing on the author's love affairs. He presents himself as a sinner, portraying himself as a failure in love. He blames God and Cupid for the existence of sin in the world. Venus and Cupid give a series of advice to the Archpriest of Hita for his love affairs. Cupid tells him to find an alcahueta (a procuress), leading to a series of unforced romantic relationships. There is a scene where the Archpriest reflects on the salvation of his soul after the death of the procuress.