"En palonbar criadas": Monastic Environment and Religious Identity in the Poema de Santa Oria

The Poema de Santa Oria, attributed to Gonzalo de Berceo, portrays Oria as an exemplary figure of medieval ascetic monasticism, emphasizing her life of reclusion, contemplation, and self-discipline within the Benedictine Monastery of San Millán de Suso. The study highlights how Oria's journey—from a young recluse to a symbol of spiritual devotion—reflects the monastic practices of the time, particularly in the context of Iberia's religious and cultural landscape. Through literary analysis, the research explores the poem's role in memorializing Oria's commitment to a life of renunciation, offering insights into medieval spirituality and the phenomenon of immurement among female recluses. The study also examines the dual structure of San Millán de Suso and Yuso Monasteries, linking their architectural and spiritual significance to broader historical processes, including the expansion of Christianity in Islamic territories.

Rivera, I. J. (2017). “En palonbar criadas”: Monastic Environment and Religious Identity in the Poema de Santa Oria. Essays in Medieval Studies, 33(1), 35–49. https://doi.org/10.1353/ems.2017.0003