The

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), or

, is one of four hagiographies attributed to Gonzalo de Berceo. Gonzalo, who composed in Old Castilian during the first half of the thirteenth century, is recognized as the earliest author of Spanish vernacular literature to sign his works by name. Unlike other vernacular poets of that era, archival records and references in his poems enable a limited biographical sketch. Gonzalo was born in the late twelfth century in the village of Berceo in northern Spain’s Rioja Province; his surname is taken from his birthplace. He had become a deacon there by 1221, and was ordained as a priest in or around 1237. He was a secular priest, and did not live a cloistered life. However, he served as a notary to the nearby Monastery…

2521 words

Citation: Bower, Robin M.. "Vida de San Millán de la Cogolla". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 October 2018 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=38813, accessed 25 November 2024.]