Do elogio de São Bernardo de Claraval à literatura de Chrétien de Troyes: uma análise sobre as representações da cavalaria em disputa no século XII

Abstract

To comprehend the construction of the 12th century chivalric models, based on literary representations from secular aristocracy and the Church, the writings of two protagonists from these groups were used. The narratives from Chrétien de Troyes and Bernard of Clairvaux were analyzed and critically examined through the study of their production spaces and how these environments influenced their compositions. Additionally, sought to explore the political, religious and cultural dynamics exhibited in the counties of Champagne and Flandres, in association to the interpretations – and performances – towards the cavalry. The sources for this analysis included Bernard of Clairvoux’s Líber ad Milites Templi De Laude Novae Militiae, compiled in the first half of the 12th century, alongside all the Arthurian cycle collections by Chrétien de Troyes that reached the contemporary era. These include Erec et Enide (1162); Cligès, or The one who played dead (1164); Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart (1168); Ivan, The Knight with the Lion (1173); and Perceval, the Story of the Grail (1191). The contents of each of these works were described in detail. Finally, after identifying each representation, the inquiry questioned how these knights grappled concepts such as violence and revenge, as well as their performances in wars and tournaments. This aimed to understand the similarities and differences between the chivalric archetypes created by these authors.