Charlemagne and his Legend in Early Spanish Literature and Historiography ed. by Ryan G. Giles and Matthew Bailey
Scott Ward
Reviewed by: Charlemagne and his Legend in Early Spanish Literature Historiography ed. by Ryan G. Giles Matthew Bailey Scott Ward Giles, Bailey, eds. Historiography. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 2016. 203 pp. ISBN: 978-18-4384-420-4. This title forms the part of series Charlemagne: A European Icon that examines six original essays evolution conception figure Spain from late medieval period into Spain's Golden Age. The chronological journey begins with Bailey's essay, "Charlemagne as a Creative Force Epic." provides an effective summary varying accounts described chronicles events surrounding Roncesvalles. He notes shift from, well relationship between, "historiographical" participants – found more literary ones depicted songs, especially Poema de Fernán González. further how, centuries passed, nationalistic identity eventually emerged causing focus to Roland local heroes who defended their homeland, being personified at some indeterminable point fictional warrior Bernardo del Carpio. Finally, author focuses on French chanson Fierabras possible influence for Las mocedades Cid, whose narrative new champion Spain, young Rodrigo Díaz, breaks epic's tradition instead invades France. In fitting segue previous Lucy Pick's "Rebel Nephews Royal Sisters: Tale Carpio" historical basis Bernardo. allies herself those argue dates end tenth century beginning eleventh, thereby predating old epic tales First, citing ancient Asturian matrilineal system succession, Pick argues uneasy tension exists between king successor, son sister. One can note betrayal hands Ruy Velázquez nephews Siete infantes Lara is not merely plot device but fact illustrates this ongoing tension. points counts Soldana, Banu Gómez family, clashes Leonese kings origin rancor King Alfonso. Whereas Carolingian Castilian national response perceived power, alfonsí emerges entirely peninsular stimulus. [End Page 192] third Mercedes Vaquero dialogue epics songs. stories originated France, matured, it introduced motifs north Pyrenees, giving regenerative boost epic. concentrates her study primarily around shared motif morally ambiguous advisor Chanson Division Kingdoms Fernando I Lara. many motifs, themes formulas songs indicate they sprang naturally same oral tradition. fourth Aníbal A. Biglieri, "The construction Space Place Narrative: Cuento enperador Carlos Maynes Roma e la buena enperatris Sevilla, su mujer." Biglieri analyzes above-named chivalric tale dating fourteenth terms space, physical areas known humans (here forests, cities, dwellings), place, these having been made social construct. essay fascinating blueprint analysis other works through approach. Furthermore, "audience response" work. listeners, already familiar Charlemagne, knew how fill gaps any lack descriptive detail. "Converting Saracen: Historia emperador Carlomagno Christianization Granada," D. deftly explains above-named...
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