(Si tu lengua materna es el español, puedes oír el podcast de ayer en el que también participó
, sobre este mismo cuento).Although you can listen to the podcast, I’m leaving here the actual translation (not mine) of this legend/tale of horror, one of the best, if not the best, of Spanish literature. In the podcast, though (from minute 19:54), I also speak about some of the sites, stories and basis of this marvellous short story.
Other Spanish writers from Romanticism: Zorrilla, Espronceda and José Cadalso.
Monasterio de San Juan de Duero (belonged to the Malta Order but is mentioned in the story).
Urraca of Castille, the Reckless.
Alfonso de Aragón, named the Battler. The King who called on the Military Orders to come to Soria but the only ones who actually had problems with the city noblemen were the Templars…
“A passionate fighting-man (he fought twenty-nine battles against Christian or Moor), he was married (when well over 30 years and a habitual bachelor) in 1109 to the ambitious Queen Urraca of León, a passionate woman unsuited for a subordinate role”.
We can say that they were neither of them fit to marry… in fact Alfonso died without descendants, something that bring to court as new king, Ramiro the Monk. But that is something well worth another story.
Next week… Emerald Eyes.
Have a great week!.
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