Peribáñez y el Comendador de Ocaña facts for kids

Peribáñez y el Comendador de Ocaña is a famous Spanish play. It was written by Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio. This play is a type of story called a tragicomedy. It tells about a farmer named Peribáñez. It also features a powerful knight commander, known as the Comendador. The Comendador falls in love with Peribáñez's wife, Casilda. To protect his wife and his honor, Peribáñez must take a stand against the Comendador.

Story of the Play

Act 1: A Wedding and a Problem

Peribáñez and Casilda are celebrating their wedding day. Suddenly, they hear that the Comendador of Ocaña has had an accident. He fell while trying to control a wild bull. He is brought to their home, and Casilda helps him wake up.

The Comendador immediately notices Casilda's beauty. He quickly falls in love with her. He is very upset to learn that she is already married to Peribáñez. Peribáñez and Casilda are very happy together. But the Comendador's feelings for Casilda grow stronger.

The newly married couple decides to travel to Toledo. They want to celebrate the Feast Day of the Assumption of Mary. The Comendador gives them some fancy tapestries. These are for decorating their cart. He secretly follows them to Toledo. There, he pays an artist to draw a picture of Casilda. He wants a full-sized painting later. Casilda does not know about this drawing.

Act 2: Secrets and Discoveries

Peribáñez and other members of the Brotherhood of Saint Roch meet. Saint Roch is the patron saint of Ocaña. They talk about the old statue of the saint. It needs to be fixed. They decide that Peribáñez should go back to Toledo. He will ask an artist to repair the statue.

While Peribáñez is away, some harvesters stay at his house. These are people who work for him. One of the Comendador's helpers, Luján, pretends to be a harvester. He lets the Comendador into the house. The Comendador tries to get Casilda's attention. But she loves Peribáñez and stays loyal to him. She tells the Comendador to leave.

Meanwhile, Peribáñez visits the same artist in Toledo. This is the artist who drew Casilda. Peribáñez asks him to fix the Saint Roch statue. The painter shows him the portrait he is working on. Peribáñez immediately recognizes his wife. The painter promises that Casilda did not know about the portrait. He also tells Peribáñez who asked for the painting. Peribáñez feels very jealous.

When he returns to Ocaña, he hears what happened at his house. Some harvesters tell him the story. He is relieved to know Casilda did nothing wrong. When he gets home, he makes up a story. He says he fell from his horse but Saint Roch protected him. He claims he wants to give the tapestries as a thank-you gift. This way, he can remove them from the bedroom. Luján arrives and tells Peribáñez that the Comendador wants to see him.

Act 3: A Difficult Choice

The Comendador and his servant Leonardo talk about a new plan. The king, Enrique III, needs soldiers to fight against the Moors. The Comendador plans to make Peribáñez a Captain. This would send Peribáñez away to war.

Peribáñez arrives and speaks to the Comendador. He asks to be made a knight. He wants to fight with honor. The Comendador agrees. He does not realize he is making Peribáñez his equal. This gives Peribáñez the right to challenge him. The women give small gifts to the men going to battle. Casilda gives her husband a black ribbon. Peribáñez says it feels like a bad sign.

Peribáñez secretly returns home. He has left his troops and walked back. He thinks about how important honor is. He sneaks into his house and hides in a pantry. He gets covered in flour. The Comendador enters the house. He tries to force himself on Casilda. She is very upset and keeps fighting him off. Peribáñez bursts out of the pantry. He seriously injures the Comendador. Leonardo finds the Comendador, who is sorry for his actions. He asks for a priest for his last prayers. Peribáñez also takes action against Casilda's cousin, Inés, and Luján. He holds them responsible for helping the Comendador.

When the king hears about the Comendador's death, he is very angry. The Comendador was one of his favorite knights. But the Queen advises the king to listen to Peribáñez's side of the story. Peribáñez humbly explains everything to the king. The king forgives him. He also makes Peribáñez a Captain. He gives him the reward money that was offered for his capture. He also gives him the right to carry weapons. The Queen gives Casilda four dresses from her own closet.

See also

In Spanish: Peribáñez y el Comendador de Ocaña para niños