The Literary Topos of Navigium Amoris in Goliardic Poetry

Abstract

The literary topic of love seafaring (navigium amoris) can be defined as the identification or comparison between love and seafaring. As a topic, it first appeared in Classical literature and included a set of six motifs: double quality of Aphrodite-Venus, comparison of sexual relationship to sailing or rowing, comparison of woman and/or love to sea, the love tempest, arrival to harbour and votive offering. From this classical origin, the topic spread during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and it was creatively elaborated on, both by polygenesis and by tradition. This paper surveys the reception of the love seafaring topic in goliardic poetry; its function and the classical sources are examined from a comparative point of view. The three main thematic lines of goliardic poetry are the satirical-moral criticism, exaltation of love and the convivial invitation. The topic of love seafaring contributed as a core element to the building of amatory goliardic poetry. As a result, goliardic poetry was a relevant way to transmit the topic among later poets.