Trobairitz, along with men trobairitz (commonly known as troubadours) composed and sang poetic, lyric songs from the twelfth through fourteenth centuries mainly in Provence (southern France) in the Old Occitan language. Troubadours have been wrongly understood as exclusively proponents of men-abasing courtly love. Trobairitz and troubadour songs were in fact wide-ranging. They include trenchant works of men’s sexed protest, appreciation for men’s sexuality, and frank recognition of lower bodily functions.
The names of about 460 trobairitz and troubadours are known and about 2,500 of their songs (some with melodies) have survived. Scholars common refer to specific songs as PC (trobairitz/troubadour number),(song number of the that singer), according to the work of Alfred Pillet and Henry Carstens (PC), Bibliographie der Troubadours (1933). Trobairitz / troubadour songs are commonly titled by their first line.
The 10th-century “O admirabile Veneris idolum” plausibly shows a learned woman’s love for a young man who has betrayed her. Cantigas d’amigo are similar. … Read the post “O admirabile Veneris idolum”: on losing beloved to love rival
The medieval minnesinger Heinrich von Morugen wrote an unusual alba. It speaks to today’s contempt for the male gaze and love estrangement of women & men. … Read the post continuing sadness of Heinrich von Morungen’s medieval alba
Medieval poems attest to mother-daughter conflict, including domestic violence. That readily recognized social reality is now seldom discussed publicly. … Read the post mother-daughter domestic violence in medieval Europe
Medieval lyric poetry indicates gender inequality in love is a deep-rooted injustice. Public policy must seek to end sexual feudalism. … Read the post addressing gender inequality in love must be policy priority
In medieval Latin and Galician-Portuguese songs, women languished in love for beloved men yet to return home from across the sea. … Read the post languishing for love: medieval women’s songs for beloved men