Medieval literature

Statuta civitatis mutine reformata 1420 1485

Beowulf Cotton MS Vitellius A XV f. 132r

European Output of Manuscripts 500–1500

Medieval literature refers to the broad range of written works produced during the Middle Ages, a period extending from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the late 14th century. This era is marked by the transition from Classical Antiquity to the modern world, and its literature is characterized by a rich diversity of texts written in various languages, including Latin, Old English, Middle English, Old French, Old Norse, and Middle High German, among others.

Characteristics

Medieval literature encompasses a wide variety of genres, including epic poetry, romances, hagiography, lyric poetry, drama, and chronicles. These works were often written with the purpose of moral instruction, entertainment, or preserving history. A significant characteristic of medieval literature is its frequent use of allegory and symbolism, where characters and stories represent moral, religious, or philosophical ideas.

Major Works and Authors

Among the most notable works of medieval literature are the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Beowulf, the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, and the Song of Roland. These texts not only provide insight into the medieval mindset but also contribute significantly to the foundation of modern Western literature.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

An ancient Sumerian text considered one of the earliest works of literary fiction. Though not medieval in origin, its themes and narratives influenced subsequent medieval literature.

Beowulf

An Old English epic poem recounting the heroic deeds of the protagonist, Beowulf, and his battles against the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. It is a key work of Anglo-Saxon literature.

The Divine Comedy

A long Italian narrative poem by Dante Alighieri, written in the early 14th century. It describes the journey of the soul toward God, traversing through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.

The Canterbury Tales

A collection of 24 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400. It presents a vivid portrayal of medieval society through the tales narrated by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury.

The Song of Roland

An Old French epic poem that celebrates the heroism of Charlemagne's knight Roland during the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. It is one of the oldest surviving major works of French literature.

Influence

Medieval literature has had a profound influence on the development of Western literature and thought. Its themes, motifs, and narrative structures can be seen in many later works of literature and continue to be studied for their historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.

Preservation and Transmission

The preservation and transmission of medieval literature were primarily through manuscripts copied by hand, often by monks in monasteries. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century greatly facilitated the dissemination and preservation of these works.