Understanding writings from the Middle Ages is not always easy though usually enjoyable. One reason being, that the Catholic church controlled most of western and central Europe at the time. As the Catholic church provided most of the education at the time, each
medieval author would generally transcribe writings in Latin, except for the few whom held an existing knowledge of the English language.
While commoners continued to use this old language, a conversion to using elements of Celtic and Greek orthodoxy happened shortly thereafter. Some of the most well known writings of this genre were Igor's Campaign, Nibelungenlied, and Digenis Acritas. While often considered works of the individual, these anonymous writings of poets, priests and sages clearly take on the oral traditions of the time.
When one thinks of Celts associated with the Middle Ages, King Arthur usually comes to mind. For, it is King Arthur and the Round Table that made the period as memorable and remarkable as it has been since the beginning. It is works like the Marie de France and Maginogion which also survived that many in the Catholic faith continue to cherish unlike the pagans who tend to pay homage to King Arthur and the court.
Even writers developing and submitting original story lines whether on stage or in written form, often attributed the work to others. In many cases, these writers would suggest a story came out of a play. Whereas, in others, authors would simply embellish or rewrite works which had been published anonymously. It is interesting to note, that in many cases there may have been multiple authors working on a single story.
Theological works, as one might envision often dominated these stories in The Middle Ages. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period often had a place in every household. Philosophical and theological works were also the most prevalent collections in libraries at the time. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society resulting in this large production of works along with a collection of hymns which also survived the turmoil of the time.
Texts, especially those attributed to secular and sacred authors became quite popular with the masses. After which, a number of treaties were developed to try and reconcile the Catholic church with pagan authors, an attempt that ultimately failed. Still, one in which the pagans and others began to learn about the beliefs of Catholics and others in the Christian faith.
One of the most read text of the Middle Ages is that of The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine. A book which has been reported to be read more than the Bible at the time. As the Bible was often read on a daily basis, saying the book was read more than the Bible may or may not be accurate, saying that the Bible was read more often than the book, could very well be fact.
A number of Jewish authors also lived during this time. Maimonides, born in Spain, and Rashi, born in France are two of the most well known and influential writers of the period. Each of which were considered outstanding writers by Catholics and pagans. After which, the writings moved toward a more secular form with one of the most popular being that of Beowolf.