Sendebar: The Book of the Wiles of Women (1253)
Date
2020
Authors
Arbesú, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon Libraries
Abstract
This unit contains a selection of texts from the Sendebar (1253), one of the most famous and widespread collections of exemplary literature in the Middle Ages, with versions in Arabic, Syriac, Farsi, Greek, Hebrew, and Spanish.
The importance of this work lies in the fact that, together with the Calila and Dimna, it was the first collection of Eastern tales to make it into the Iberian Peninsula, bringing with it a new way of organizing the plot around a narrative frame which gave meaning to each separate tale. The selection includes the three tales from the second day of the trial: the first is narrated by the woman, who claims that the Prince tried to rape her; the other two are narrated by one of the king’s counselors, who tries to convince the king to keep calm (first tale) and that all women are deceitful (second tale).
Types of courses where the text might be useful: History, literature, and culture of medieval Spain, al-Andalus, Maghreb, Translation, Tales.
Description
7 pages, English and Spanish translation available
Keywords
Spanish literature, Medieval Iberian literature, Spanish medieval literature, Translation studies, Cultural contact in medieval Iberia