Notker Balbulus was a medieval monk and poet from the Abbey of Saint Gall in present-day Switzerland. He lived during the 9th century and is best known for his contributions to the development of Latin literature and music. Notker is credited with writing a collection of hymns and sequences, which are types of liturgical songs used in Christian worship. In addition to his poetic works, Notker is recognized for his role in the preservation and transmission of classical knowledge. He is often associated with the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of cultural revival under the rule of Charlemagne. His writings reflect the blending of religious themes with classical learning, influencing future generations of scholars.