Bernat Metge

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Bernat Metge , also Bernard Metge (* between 1340 and 1346 in Barcelona , † 1413 ) was a Catalan poet. He is considered one of the most important writers in Catalonia and a pioneer of the Renaissance style in Catalan literature. His work is characterized by precision, elegance and clarity.

As a notary , he soon worked for the Aragonese Crown , thanks to his stepfather Ferrer Sayol, who held a high position there. Initially he served Queen Eleanor of Sicily , wife of Peter IV. In 1375 he entered the service of John the First and his wife Violante von Bar , who showed him great affection and gave him numerous favors.

In 1381 he wrote his allegorical poem Llibre de Fortuna e Prudència (in German "Book of happiness and prudence"), in which he deals with the question of divine origin in pure medieval tradition, based on De consolatione filosofiae by Boëthius .

He also translated the story by Valter and Griselda, the last of Decamerone's novels, but not from the Italian original by Boccaccio , but from the Latin translation of Petrarch , the Griseldis . Apart from the elegant prose , the foreword, which is known as the praise of Petrarch, which has become known in Spain, contributes to the importance of this translation .

His main work Lo somni (“The Dream”), written in 1399, describes visionary experiences, including Johann I in purgatory , and also deals with philosophical and theological questions. He wrote it in prison after falling out of favor with the new Queen María de Luna along with other servants of the late John. Through the work he was able to regain royal favor and his position at court.

Metge was also the translator of the Latin poem De vetula , attributed to Ovid , and the author of two satirical poems that he wrote in captivity. These works are lost.

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