Born in Palma de Mallorca in 1232 Ramon Llull’s life was anything but ordinary. He was a man of contrasts a courtier who became a mystic a troubadour who dedicated his life to missionary work. This very spot in Palma holds a piece of his incredible story.
Imagine the bustling court life of 13th century Mallorca. Ramon Llull was there. He was a wealthy man with a family. He wrote poetry but his life was dissolute and worldly. Then one night everything changed. He had a vision of Christ crucified. This vision repeated itself for four nights. It was a call to serve God.
His vows were threefold. He would convert the infidel. He would write books exposing their errors. He would persuade the king and the Pope to build monasteries. These monasteries would teach missionaries the languages of the infidels. He abandoned his possessions giving only a small portion to his family. He began a new life of pilgrimages and journeys across Europe and North Africa. He studied Arabic philosophy theology law and even medicine.
His first known work was written in Arabic. He then translated it into Latin and Catalan. He eventually wrote over 243 books. His novel El Blanquerna is a masterpiece. It details the different stages of a man’s life family life as a friar abbot bishop Pope and hermit. It shows daily life in the 13th century.
He died in 1316. Some say in Mallorca others in Tunisia. His remains were authenticated in 1985. The skeletal remains showed a tall man with a prominent nose abundant hair and good health for his age. Lesions on his head were consistent with being stoned in North Africa. This however was not the cause of his death. He died of natural causes. He is buried here in the Basilica de Sant Francesc.
Ramon Llull’s legacy is far-reaching. He invented a philosophical system called the Art. This was a universal logic designed to prove the truth of Christian doctrine to all people. His works were translated into many languages. His influence stretches into the modern era. Some even consider him a precursor to computer science and social choice theory. His life’s work and his unwavering faith continue to inspire. He truly was a remarkable man. His story is one of transformation perseverance and dedication to his beliefs.