Due to the events of the time, it is easy to locate a number of writings though most were written in Latin. It is far more difficult to identify the first medieval author. For, during the Catholic church dominated central and western Europe during the Middle Ages. As a result, the church remained one of the only institutes of learning at the time.

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.

Of course, there is no better association with medieval writing and the Celts than that of King Arthur and the Arthurian cycles. With two of the most notable writings of the time being that of Marie de France and the Mabinogion. While a notable amount of literature from the period remains anonymous, classical writers were often noted for embellishing stories.

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.

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine attracted so much attention, it is often said the book was read more than the Bible. Philosophers and poets, priests and others all had writings published during the Middle Ages. When it came to theater, it was the Bible that presented the material for a variety of one act plays based on scripture.

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.