Archpoet
The Archpoet is an enigmatic figure known for composing many of the anonymous poems within the medieval poetry collection "Carmina Burana." Active during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Archpoet's work reflects the Goliardic tradition, characterized by its satirical and often bawdy themes. His verses, which include drinking songs and humorous commentary on the clergy, were particularly popular among clerical students at the universities of Western Europe. A total of thirty-five poems are attributed to him, showcasing a consistent style and thematic focus on hedonism, gambling, and revelry. His most famous lines express a desire to die in a tavern, surrounded by wine and merriment. While little is known about his life, he hints at a noble background by referring to his "knightly birth." Scholars believe he was active between 1140 and 1165, with references to notable figures of that era providing context for his work. The Archpoet’s legacy extends into modern literature, as he is depicted as a character in Umberto Eco's novel "Baudolino."
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Archpoet
Poet
- Born: fl. 1140-1165
- Birthplace: Germany
Biography
Archpoet is the name given to the author of many of the anonymous poems found in the medieval collection of poetry Carmina Burana. The Archpoet wrote satirical verse based on Goliardic tradition, popular with clerical students in the universities of Western Europe during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This bawdy style of writing included drinking songs and humorous prose about the clergy of the Middle Ages. A total of thirty-five known transcripts have been attributed to the Archpoet based on consistencies in usage and style displayed in the anonymous poems.
The Archpoet’s best-known work details his love of debauchery, gambling, and drunkenness. It contains the classic verse:
I mean to die in a tavern,
So that wine will be close by my dying mouth.
Then the choirs of angels will sing more happily,
”May God have mercy on this drinker.”
Of the scant details available about the Archpoet’s life, it can be surmised that he was possibly a nobleman because he refers to himself as being of “knightly birth.” It is thought that the Archpoet was active between 1140 and 1165 due to his references to public figures of that time. The Archpoet was later immortalized as a character in the novel Baudolino by Umberto Eco.