Muñagorriren bertsoak facts for kids

Muñagorriren bertsoak (Basque for 'Muñagorri's bertsos') are special poems written in the Basque language. They were published in 1838 in a place called Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country of Spain. This was during the end of a big fight known as the First Carlist War.

During this war, many poems like these were shared. They tried to get people to support different groups. Some of these poems became very popular. They helped shape what people thought in areas where Basque was spoken. This region was a strong base for the Carlists, one of the groups fighting.

The Muñagorri bertsos were created by José Antonio Muñagorri's group. Their main goal was to cause a split among the supporters of Carlos de Borbón. They wanted to end the war. In return, they hoped to keep some special local rules for the Basque Country. This idea was called "peace and fueros" (local laws). Muñagorri himself did not have a lot of power on the ground. However, his talks with the liberal leaders in Madrid were important. These discussions helped lead to the Embrace of Vergara in 1839, which ended the war.

The Poems: What They Say

The full version of the Muñagorri bertsos is quite long. But a shorter, more famous version has six stanzas (sections). A well-known singer, Benito Lertxundi, helped make these poems popular again in modern times.

These poems talk about the hard times people faced during the war. They describe how the war was ruining lives. The poems mention that Carlos, one of the leaders, was pushed back when he tried to go to Madrid. This meant the war kept going.

Life During Wartime

The bertsos explain that since Carlos arrived, people in the Basque provinces lived with much pain. They felt that their possessions were taken away, and they got nothing in return. The poems say people were born just to cry.

The poems also describe how people were trapped. Borders were closed, and it was hard to move around. Even the French border was shut. The message was clear: war brings no good at all.

Challenges for Families

The poems highlight the suffering of families. They say that the best leaders were put in prison. Being Basque felt like a disadvantage. The poems mention two leaders, Tejeiro and Maroto, and question what good could come from them.

Families faced many problems. Sons were forced to become soldiers. Parents were put in jail. People could not pay their taxes. Neighbors had to work in the trenches, digging defenses. The poems describe their daily lives as full of sorrow.

Hardship and High Prices

The bertsos also talk about the economic struggles. Doors were closed, making it hard to trade. Bread became very expensive. The price of corn was steadily going up. Money seemed to disappear every day. The poems express wonder at how people managed to survive such difficult conditions.