Na Castelloza

Na Castelloza (fl. early 13th century) was a noblewoman and trobairitz from Auvergne. Life According to her later vida, Castelloza was the wife of Turc de Mairona, probably the lord of Meyronne. Turc's ancestors had participated in a Crusade around 1210 or 1220, which was the origin of his name (meaning "Turk"). She was reputed to have been in love with Arman de Brion, a member of the house of Bréon and of greater social rank than her, about whom she wrote several songs. Her vida records her to have been "very gay", "very learned", and "very beautiful". While little more is known about Castelloza’s life, her name “appears to be composed of castle and the common suffix ~os, which normally indicates quality or abundance of the noun to which it is joined. The name might then mean ‘lady worthy of a castle’ or ‘lady possessed of a castle or castles.'” Career As a trobairitz, Castelloza was responsible for producing poems and Cantigas (monophonic songs) throughout her career. Her works (primarily written in Galician-Portuguese) maintain the characteristics of the Canso, often referencing themes of love and courtship. The canso was a popular style among troubadours, often describing a male speaker pining after a ‘cruel female beloved.’ Castelloza continues this song structure from her perspective, expressing the challenges and conflict she, as a woman, faces. “In each of her songs, Na Castelloza takes up a posture that is simultaneously offensive and defensive: she regularly signals and defends her anomalous role as a woman who declares and serves her love by singing.” This is apparent throughout her work; an example being ‘Mout avetz fach lonc estatge…’ (To Her Lover Gone Away).