Joanot Martorell and Martí Joan de Galba (died 1490) were Valencian writers known for their seminal contribution to medieval literature: Tirant lo Blanch (Tirant the White). Written in Valencian and published in 1490, the work is considered a landmark in European literary history, blending chivalric romance, realism, and satire. Often hailed as a precursor to the modern novel, it offers a unique perspective on knighthood and human nature, distinguishing itself from traditional chivalric tales. Joanot Martorell was born into a noble Valencian family and lived a life marked by chivalric pursuits, legal disputes, and travel. His experience as a knight deeply influenced his writing, providing the foundation for Tirant lo Blanch. Martorell began the novel around 1460 but died before completing it. Tirant lo Blanch tells the story of Tirant, a knight renowned for his military skill and human complexity. Unlike the idealized heroes of typical chivalric romances, Tirant is portrayed as both heroic and flawed, navigating battles, courtly love, and personal dilemmas. The novel's attention to detail, from military strategies to character development, reflects a departure from the fantastical and embraces a grounded, realistic narrative.