Troubadour facts for kids

A troubadour was a special kind of artist in the Middle Ages, from about the 11th to the 13th century. They were poets and musicians who wrote and performed their own songs. Most troubadours lived in a region called Occitania, which is now part of southern France. Their songs were usually in a language called Old Occitan. If a woman was a troubadour, she was called a trobairitz.

What a troubadour may have looked like in the 14th century

Troubadours were highly respected for their skills. Being a troubadour was considered an honorable job. They often traveled between castles and courts, sharing their music and stories.

What Did Troubadours Sing About?

Troubadour songs often told stories or shared feelings. Many songs were about chivalry. This meant they sang about the brave and honorable ways of knights. They also sang a lot about courtly love. This was a special kind of love, often between a knight and a noble lady. It was about respect, honor, and devotion.

Sometimes, troubadours wrote funny songs. These could be satires, which are songs that make fun of people or ideas in a clever way. Some songs were even a bit rude or vulgar, but they were still part of the troubadour tradition.

Famous Troubadours

Many troubadours were nobles themselves. One of the earliest known troubadours was William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. He was a powerful duke and a knight who lived in the 11th century. He started writing poetry after coming back from a Crusade.

There were also famous female troubadours, called trobairitz. One well-known trobairitz was Castelloza. She wrote beautiful songs about love and feelings.

Troubadours often took part in contests. They would perform their songs, and sometimes win prizes. The Monge de Montaudon was a monk who was also a troubadour. He once won a sparrow hawk as a prize for his performance!

Images for kids

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  The troubadour Perdigon playing his fiddle.

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  William IX of Aquitaine portrayed as a knight, who first composed poetry on returning from the Crusade of 1101

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  Musicians in the time of the Cantigas de Santa Maria. These were in the court of the king, two vielle players and one citoler.

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  Late 16th-century Italian cursive on paper, recording a song of Perceval Doria

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  Castelloza

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  The Monge de Montaudon receiving a sparrow hawk as a prize for his performance in a contest

See also

In Spanish: Trovador para niños