Ramon Llull's Literary Masterpieces: Philosophy, Mysticism, and Chivalry

Ramon Llull's Major Works

Ramon Llull wrote around 265 books, covering diverse subjects such as philosophy, science, education (including Blanquerna), mysticism, grammar, chivalry, novels (such as Felix or Book of Wonders), and poetry (including Cant de Ramon and Lo Desconhort).

Blanquerna

The book describes medieval life with great vivacity. Following his religious vocation, the protagonist seeks to reach God through a life journey that leads him, despite himself, to become a monk, abbot, bishop, and pope. Finally, he becomes a hermit, achieving Llull's state of maximum spiritual perfection.

The Book of the Lover and the Beloved

This is the first section of the fifth part of Blanquerna. This religious-themed piece, characterized by strong poetic language, expresses the mystical experience of the “Friend” (the Christian soul) toward the “Beloved” (God). The Friend must earn merit so that God finally unites them through the three stages of mystical union: purgatio, illuminatio, and unitio. It was one of Llull's most popular works, and its topic is always rightly paired with mysticism.

Book of the Order of Chivalry

Written between 1274 and 1276, Llull discusses the characteristics of good knights. Their main objectives are the development of Christian honor and nobility of spirit, achieved through a strict observance of piety. Sometimes the text is combative and aggressive, recommending converting the faithful with the sword in hand while preaching the truth of Christ. This manual of the Christian knight influenced later works, such as the drafting of Tirant lo Blanch.

Felix or the Book of Wonders

Written between 1287 and 1289, this is a doctrinal work that combines narrative and dialogue between a teacher and a pupil. Over the ten sections of the work, the protagonist, Felix, travels the world observing the distance between the divine order of creation and the actual attitude of men. Along the way, he encounters hermits and philosophers, making contact with all branches of knowledge from the thirteenth century, ranging from hell to God and nature.

The Book of Beasts

The seventh section of Felix or the Book of Wonders covers the topic of beasts. Conceived initially as a treatise on zoology, it is, in reality, a reflection on politics presented in the form of a fable. It explains the machinations of Na Renard, the fox, to exercise power at any price. The book has been interpreted as a warning to the King of France against relying too heavily on his inner circle.

Poetry

Llull's poetic works include:

• Lo Desconhort (1295 or 1305): A cry explaining the failure of the mission he wished to accomplish. It features a review through an internal dialogue with a Hermit, representing a splitting of the self.
• Cant de Ramon (Song of Ramon): A poem he wrote when he was old, offering a balance sheet of his life.
• Lo Concili (The Council).