Final answer:
The European medieval lute is thought to have derived from the Middle Eastern oud, an instrument which was brought to medieval Europe and evolved into the lute known in that era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The European medieval lute is thought to derive from the Middle Eastern oud. The oud is a stringed instrument similar to the lute and was improved upon by the renowned musician Ziryab. He was a master of the oud, adding a fifth pair of strings to the instrument. Medieval European music, as a result, was significantly influenced by his teachings and the tradition he established, especially in the region of Al-Andalus, now known as Spain. This exchange of culture and the introduction of the oud played a vital role in the evolution of musical instruments, leading to the creation of the European lute. The lute, alongside other instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, fiddle, and pan flute, formed the foundation of medieval music, which is described in various historical accounts and artistic depictions from the period.