Grievances of Guitard Isarn

Grievances of Guitard Isarn

Stored in the Biblioteca de Catalunya in Barcelona, the so-called Grievances of Guitard Isarn is of great significance for the history of the Catalonian language. It is the oldest known, non-literary Catalonian text! Guitard Isarn, a nobleman from Caboet, wrote a letter from the late 11th century telling of his demands for reparations of some injuries and insults, which were brought about by his vassals. Such a juristic documents, so-called rancures were common practice by 11th century feudal lords. The Grievances of Guitard Isarn are nevertheless a unique historical document because of their special language!

A Special Specimen of Rancure

Señor de Caboet, Guitard Isarn demands reparations for these damages and indignities, which have been inflicted upon him by his vassals. Such co-called rancures were letters, in which feudal lords demanded compensation for damages, which they saw as a breach of contract. In the case of Guitard Isarn, he accuses the castellan of Cabò, Guillelm Arnall, and his son of breaking their oaths and demands reparations. The noble family of Caboet originated from Cabò and were of particular significance for the history of Andorra!

Dating to the 11th Century

The Grievances of Guitard Isarn has been dated by researchers to ca. 1080–1095. This limited space of time for the period of origin was ascertained by means of information about the people mentioned in the text and because of historical documents from the 11th century archive of the abbey church of Organyá. Today, the document is stored in the Biblioteca de Catalunya in Barcelona.

The Significance for Catalonian

The discoverer of this historical document was the historian Joaquim Miret i Sana. The vellum manuscript measuring 53 x 10 cm is considered to be the oldest known, non-literary Catalonian text! Consequently, the document also holds an exceptional place in the history of the Catalonian and Spanish languages.