Giraut de Bornelh facts for kids
Giraut de Bornelh (born around 1138, died 1215) was a famous troubadour. Troubadours were poets and musicians from the Middle Ages. His name is sometimes spelled Guiraut. He was known for creating a "light" style of poetry called trobar leu. Giraut was connected to the castle of the viscount of Limoges.
About Giraut's Life
Giraut was born in a region of France called Limousin. His family was not wealthy. He was likely born in a place called Bourney, near Excideuil. This area is in modern-day France.
Giraut may have traveled with Richard I of England and Aimar V of Limoges. They went on the Third Crusade. This was a big journey to the Holy Land. He might have stayed with Bohemond III, a prince in Antioch. Giraut definitely made a trip to the Holy Land. This trip might have happened before the Crusade.
Giraut's Poems and Songs
About ninety of Giraut's poems are still around today. We also have four of his melodies. People in the 1200s thought his work was very good. Petrarch, another famous poet, called him "master of the troubadours." Dante, a well-known Italian writer, also mentioned him. Dante said many people thought Giraut was better than Arnaut Daniel.
Some of Giraut's important works include:
- S'anc jorn aqui joi e solaz: This is a planh. A planh is a sad poem written about someone's death. This one was about the death of Raimbaut d'Aurenga.
- Ara·m platz, Giraut de Borneill: This is a tenso. A tenso is like a debate in a poem. In this poem, Giraut and Raimbaut d'Aurenga discuss different poetry styles. They talk about trobar clus (a complex style) versus trobar leu (Giraut's lighter style).
- Be me plairia, senh'en reis: This is another tenso. Giraut debated with King Alfons II of Aragon in this poem. They discussed if a lady is dishonored by having a lover who is richer than her. Other poets like Guilhem de Saint-Leidier and Azalais de Porcairagues also discussed this topic.
- Reis glorios (glorious king): This is a very famous alba. An alba is a poem about lovers parting at dawn.
