Bernart de Ventadorn was born in the Occitan area of France in 1135. Of the four founders, his beginnings were the most humble. Both of Ventadorn’s parents were bakers at the Castle Ventadorn (hence, Bernart’s name “of Ventadorn"). Bernart learned the art of poetry and music while at the castle.
Trouble brewed when Bernart began to write poetry to the wife of the count, Marguerite. After the young Bernart declared his love for Marguerite, he was banished from Castle Ventadorn and began a lifetime of travel which led him to work in several royal houses across the country and even to England for one year as a well-known troubadour.
Bernart de Ventadorn is known for popularizing the troubler leu style of song. This style is both delicate and cheerful and became popular among troubadours for many years.
It was during these travels it is rumored that Bernart de Ventadorn met the other founders of Bighorn Castle. Iseut de Capio lived relatively near Castle Ventadorn as did Jaufre Rudel. However, it is surmised that Ventadorn and Rudel met each other far to the north at Hildegard von Bingham’s monastery.
Ventadorn has been known to be the common link between the founders and gathered key in gathering the founders. In secret, Bernart de Ventadorn met with composers Jaufre Rudel, Hildegard von Bingen, and Iseut de Capio to create the Bighorn Castle, a school for students in the first three years of their musical studies. Ventadorn, Rudel, Bingen and Capio all recognized the importance of the earliest years learning to play an instrument and, hence, created Room 920 in the Bighorn Castle.
The composers then created “houses” which were families within the school which recognized and celebrated students’ character and gifts. Because Ventadorn was known to be loyal to his friends and joyful in his compositions, he house is known for Strength of Heart and Joy in Life. Ventadorn chose the Glass Scorpion as the mascot because it is possible to see the scorpions' beating heart and due to the glass scorpions apparent jubilation at full moon gatherings. Ventadorn wanted all students to show their love and strength but to remember to enjoy even the small moments in life.