The legend of the founding of the town in Estoria de España of Alfonso X el Sabio

Abstract

The paper focuses on several episodes from Estoria de España by Alfonso X el Sabio that describe the founding of several Spanish towns (Sevilla, La Coruña, Cádiz). Comparison of these descriptions with corresponding passages in earlier Latin chronicles lets us uncover the purposes and intention of including such “legends” in the text, as well as show the peculiarities of narrative technique and reworking of material by the chroniclers of Alfonso el Sabio. We show how important it was for the Wise King to trace the continuity of ancient civilization in Spain — by emphasizing the connection of Carthage and Cartagena, for example. Or, similarly, by pointing out the particular role of Hercules in Spanish history. The selection of material involved not only choosing and translating ancient writings, but also, to a signifcant degree, was supplemented with folkloric elements that made enjoyable the entire narrative