What kinds of religious works were written in Middle Breton?

During the Middle Breton period (11th to 17th century), the vast majority of extant literature was religious in nature and primarily written in verse. These works often lacked originality and were frequently based on French versions.1

Religious works from this period include:

• Mystery and Miracle Plays: These were significant products of the era, treating subjects from the Old and New Testaments and saints' lives. Notable examples include Burzud bras Jesuz ("The Great Mystery of Jesus"), Buhez santez Nonn ("The Life of Saint Nonn"), and Buhez santes Barba ("The Life of Saint Barbara").12
• Poetry: Long poems included "Tremenvan an itron gwerches Maria" ("The Passion of the Virgin Mary"), "Pemzec levenez Maria" ("The Fifteen Joys of Mary"), and "Buhez mabden" ("The Life of Man"). Additionally, a 4,000-verse poem titled Le Miroir de la mort ("The Mirror of Death") served as a meditation on death and the hereafter.12
• Prose and Instructional Texts: These included a prose catechism, a prose extract from the Leon missal, and the Buhez an itron sanctes Cathell ("Life of St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr"). Other works focused on religious practice and education, such as Am Mirouer a Confession ("The Mirror of Confession") and Doctrin an Christenien ("Christian’s Doctrine").12