Spanish Romance of the 14th Century: A Deep Dive

Spanish Romance (14th Century)

1. Definition

The term "romance" refers to vernacular compositions, distinct from Latin texts. These lyrical narratives were originally sung, composed of indefinite series of eight-syllable lines with assonant rhymes in even-numbered lines, while odd-numbered lines remain unrhymed. This ballad meter is reminiscent of epics, with each verse of romance corresponding to a hemistich of song. These compositions share characteristics with traditional lyrical ballads transmitted orally, often with variations. They are considered anonymous not necessarily because the author's name is unknown, but because they belong to a popular tradition, with each reciter adapting them. Romance is a hybrid genre, blending elements of lyric, narrative, and even dramatic forms through dialogue. Its prestige is linked to the traditional assessment of what emerged in the 14th and 15th centuries. Learned poets and courtiers took interest in these orally transmitted songs, incorporating them into musical songbooks and courtly performances.

2. Classification of Romances

There are two main classifications: by origin and by theme.

Classification by Origin

Romances are divided into Old and New.

Old Romances

These are anonymous, transmitted orally, and exhibit variations on the same theme. Widespread in the 15th century, some share themes with lost epics. The coincidence of subject matter and metrical similarity suggest that ballads may have originated from epics.

New or Artistic Romances

These are compositions by known authors, imitating the style of old romances.

Classification by Theme (Old Romances)

Epic Romances

These collect themes and characters from epic poems and songs. Examples include those dedicated to the last Visigoth King Roderick, the hosts of Don Rodrigo, the Infantes of Lara, and particularly, El Cid. Carolingian Romances, derived from French epics, recount the Battle of Roncesvalles and the death of Roland.

Historical Romances

These arise from historical events and serve an informative purpose, akin to news reports. This category includes narratives of border battles between Moors and Christians, often with a chivalrous tone and compassion for the enemy. "Abenamar, Abenamar" is a notable example.

Novelistic Romances

These tell stories from diverse sources, such as classical mythology and folklore, with adventure and mystery as key elements.

Lyrical Romances

These do not recount events but express emotions. They are short, moving, and deal with lyrical themes like death, loneliness, and love.

Characteristics of Romances

1. Lyric-Epic Composition: They tell a short story, combining lyrical and epic resources.
   • Lyrical: Expressive language (exclamations, epithets, repetition, simple syntax).
   • Epic: Archaic language, appeals to the audience, epic epithets, shifting narrative viewpoints.
2. Brevity and Intensity: Both in action and expression of feelings.
3. Fragmentary Nature: A small story, sometimes a single scene, lacking context. They begin abruptly and often end abruptly.
4. Action over Description: Emphasis on action rather than detailed descriptions.
5. Dialogue: An essential element of the narrative technique.
6. Simple Syntax: Short sentences with few conjunctions.
7. Irregular Use of Tenses: Tenses are often mixed.