1-POESIA TROVADORESCA | CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO

Summary

This video lesson delves into the context and evolution of troubadour poetry, exploring its origins during the Middle Ages, especially in the Iberian Peninsula. It highlights the historical background of Portugal's formation, the role of troubadours, and the cultural development of the time. The script also covers the significance of oral tradition in transmitting troubadour poetry and its impact on the Portuguese language. The different types of songs, such as cantigas de amigo, cantigas de amor, and songs of descarne, are introduced, alongside the key figures like troubadours, jesters, and minstrels, who contributed to the spread of this literary tradition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Middle Ages spanned from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the 15th century and was foundational for the creation of Portugal.
• 😀 The formation of Portugal began with the Portucalense County in 1066 and culminated in the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139.
• 😀 King Afonso Henriques played a key role in Portugal’s independence, with his victory at the Battle of Ourique in 1139 leading to his recognition as the first King of Portugal.
• 😀 In 1279, King Dom Dinis made Galician-Portuguese the official language of Portugal, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Portuguese language.
• 😀 Troubadour poetry emerged in the 12th century and was a key cultural expression in medieval Iberian Peninsula, especially in what became Portugal and Galicia.
• 😀 The majority of people in the Middle Ages were illiterate, so troubadour poetry was primarily spread through oral traditions rather than written texts.
• 😀 Troubadour poetry had various forms, including love songs, laments, and humorous or satirical compositions, often performed at social gatherings and courts.
• 😀 The most famous troubadours were associated with the nobility, while jesters and minstrels often performed more comedic or mocking songs.
• 😀 Three major songbooks—The Vatican Songbook, The Help Songbook, and The National Library Songbook—preserved around 1,700 songs from the troubadour era.
• 😀 The language of troubadour poetry evolved from Latin and was heavily influenced by the popular vernacular of the Iberian Peninsula, leading to the rise of the Portuguese language.
• 😀 The feudal system and the Church's control over literacy meant that troubadour poetry served as a vital cultural bridge for the illiterate population, spreading values and stories through music and song.

Q & A

What time period does the Middle Ages encompass?

The Middle Ages is a period between the 5th and 15th centuries, beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire in the West and ending with the fall of the Roman Empire in the East.

What key event led to the establishment of Portugal as an independent kingdom?

The key event was the Battle of Ourique in 1139, where Afonso Henriques defeated the Muslims and was then acclaimed as the King of Portugal.

Who was the first king of Portugal, and when was his reign formally recognized?

Afonso Henriques became the first King of Portugal in 1139, though his reign was formally recognized by the King of León, Castile, and Galicia in 1143, and by the Pope in 1179.

What role did King Dom Dinis play in the development of the Portuguese language?

King Dom Dinis was instrumental in making Galician-Portuguese the official language of Portugal in 1296, and he himself was a troubadour who contributed to the development of Portuguese culture.

How did the language of troubadour poetry evolve?

Troubadour poetry was written in Galician-Portuguese, a language that developed from Latin and evolved through influence from the popular language, and was a precursor to modern Portuguese.

What is troubadour poetry, and how was it traditionally transmitted?

Troubadour poetry is a form of lyrical expression, typically in the form of songs about love, friendship, and other themes. It was primarily transmitted orally during festivals and gatherings, since most of the population was illiterate.

What are some types of songs found in troubadour poetry?

Some types of songs in troubadour poetry include 'cantigas de amigo' (songs of friendship), 'cantigas de amor' (love songs), and 'cantigas de descarne' (satirical or mocking songs).

What were the three main songbooks that preserved troubadour poetry?

The three main songbooks are the Vatican Songbook, the Help Songbook, and the National Library Songbook, with the Help Songbook being the oldest and most incomplete.

Who were the main figures associated with the creation and performance of troubadour poetry?

The main figures associated with troubadour poetry were the troubadours (noble composers), jesters (lower-class entertainers), and segrels (middle-ground figures between the nobility and lower classes).

What role did the clergy play in the literary culture during the Middle Ages?

The clergy played a central role in the literary culture, as they were the primary literate class responsible for copying and transmitting written texts, and Latin was the predominant language used in written works during the Middle Ages.