Understanding writings from the Middle Ages is not always easy though usually enjoyable. One reason being, that the Catholic church controlled most of western and central Europe at the time. As the Catholic church provided most of the education at the time, each medieval author would generally transcribe writings in Latin, except for the few whom held an existing knowledge of the English language.
While commoners continued to use this old language, a conversion to using elements of Celtic and Greek orthodoxy happened shortly thereafter. Some of the most well known writings of this genre were Igor's Campaign, Nibelungenlied, and Digenis Acritas. While often considered works of the individual, these anonymous writings of poets, priests and sages clearly take on the oral traditions of the time.
Of course, there is no better association with medieval writing and the Celts than that of King Arthur and the Arthurian cycles. With two of the most notable writings of the time being that of Marie de France and the Mabinogion. While a notable amount of literature from the period remains anonymous, classical writers were often noted for embellishing stories.
It is interesting that an author would choose to remain anonymous though for many in the Middle Ages, this was the case. In fact, some would even attribute original works to others to avoid confrontation. As a result, the names of the actual authors often took on less importance than the stories presented.
Theological works, as one might envision often dominated these stories in The Middle Ages. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period often had a place in every household. Philosophical and theological works were also the most prevalent collections in libraries at the time. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society resulting in this large production of works along with a collection of hymns which also survived the turmoil of the time.
While a great deal of work was based in philosophy and theology, there were also sacred texts written with a purpose. For example, multiple treaties were written which attempted to reconcile pagan authors and the church. While successful at first, many pagans decided to reject the treaties and return to Greek and Roman writings rather than align with the church.
One of the most read text of the Middle Ages is that of The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine. A book which has been reported to be read more than the Bible at the time. As the Bible was often read on a daily basis, saying the book was read more than the Bible may or may not be accurate, saying that the Bible was read more often than the book, could very well be fact.
A number of Jewish authors also lived during this time. Maimonides, born in Spain, and Rashi, born in France are two of the most well known and influential writers of the period. Each of which were considered outstanding writers by Catholics and pagans. After which, the writings moved toward a more secular form with one of the most popular being that of Beowolf.
While commoners continued to use this old language, a conversion to using elements of Celtic and Greek orthodoxy happened shortly thereafter. Some of the most well known writings of this genre were Igor's Campaign, Nibelungenlied, and Digenis Acritas. While often considered works of the individual, these anonymous writings of poets, priests and sages clearly take on the oral traditions of the time.
Of course, there is no better association with medieval writing and the Celts than that of King Arthur and the Arthurian cycles. With two of the most notable writings of the time being that of Marie de France and the Mabinogion. While a notable amount of literature from the period remains anonymous, classical writers were often noted for embellishing stories.
It is interesting that an author would choose to remain anonymous though for many in the Middle Ages, this was the case. In fact, some would even attribute original works to others to avoid confrontation. As a result, the names of the actual authors often took on less importance than the stories presented.
Theological works, as one might envision often dominated these stories in The Middle Ages. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period often had a place in every household. Philosophical and theological works were also the most prevalent collections in libraries at the time. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society resulting in this large production of works along with a collection of hymns which also survived the turmoil of the time.
While a great deal of work was based in philosophy and theology, there were also sacred texts written with a purpose. For example, multiple treaties were written which attempted to reconcile pagan authors and the church. While successful at first, many pagans decided to reject the treaties and return to Greek and Roman writings rather than align with the church.
One of the most read text of the Middle Ages is that of The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine. A book which has been reported to be read more than the Bible at the time. As the Bible was often read on a daily basis, saying the book was read more than the Bible may or may not be accurate, saying that the Bible was read more often than the book, could very well be fact.
A number of Jewish authors also lived during this time. Maimonides, born in Spain, and Rashi, born in France are two of the most well known and influential writers of the period. Each of which were considered outstanding writers by Catholics and pagans. After which, the writings moved toward a more secular form with one of the most popular being that of Beowolf.
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