The Abencerraje facts for kids
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| Author | Anonymous |
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| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
| Set in | Spain, c. 1410-1424 |
| Publisher | Antonio de Villegas |
| Media type | |
The Abencerraje, also known as The History of the Abencerraje and the Lovely Jarifa, is a special type of story called a 'Moorish novel'. It was written in Spain during the 1500s. We don't know who wrote it for sure, but some experts think it might have been Jerónimo Jiménez de Urrea.
Different versions of the story came out between 1561 and 1565. The most complete and well-written one is found in a collection called Inventario by Antonio de Villegas, printed in 1565. The story happens in the 1400s. This was a time when the Kingdom of Castile and the Emirate of Granada were fighting for control of southern Spain. The novel shows how two main characters, Abindarráez (a Moor) and Rodrigo de Narváez (a Christian), can get along. They find harmony even though they have different religions. The story also explores important ideas like love and chivalry.
Contents
What is The Abencerraje About?
The story takes place in the 1400s, when King John II ruled the Crown of Castile. We meet Rodrigo de Narváez, a brave knight. His heroic actions in the war against the Moors earned him a special job. He became the governor of the towns of Álora and Antequera in Málaga.
A Knight's Encounter
One day, Narváez and his men were patrolling near Álora. They split into two groups. Narváez went with four squires, and five other men went by themselves. The group of five met a Moorish man riding a horse and attacked him. But the Moorish man was very strong and defeated them all!
Narváez then rode over to fight the man himself. The Moor was tired but said he could not be beaten. Narváez helped him up and asked him to explain why he was so determined.
Abindarráez's Story
The Moor introduced himself as Abindarráez the Younger. He was from the Abencerrajes, a very important noble family in Granada. Sadly, the king of Granada had executed many Abencerrajes. He thought they were planning to kill him. The people of Granada were very sad about their deaths.
The king decided that only Abindarráez's father and uncle could live in Granada. Any future Abencerrajes had to be raised outside the city. Also, any daughters had to marry outside Granada. Because of this rule, Abindarráez grew up with the governor of Cártama. He lived alongside the governor's daughter, Jarifa.
Love and a Promise
Abindarráez and Jarifa became very close friends. When they found out they were not related, they fell in love. Later, the king of Granada moved the governor to Coín, leaving the young couple behind. Jarifa then told Abindarráez that she loved him.
So, Abindarráez was riding past Álora to go to Coín for his wedding. Rodrigo de Narváez was touched by his story. He allowed Abindarráez to go to Coín. But Abindarráez had to promise to return in three days to become Narváez's captive.
A Wedding and a Return
Abindarráez finished his journey to Coín and married Jarifa. Jarifa told Abindarráez about her plan to give him ownership of her father's land. Then, Abindarráez told Jarifa about the promise he made to Narváez. Jarifa insisted on going with him to Álora.
On their way, an old man told them a story. He said that when Narváez was governor of Antequera, he fell in love with a beautiful married lady. She did not return his feelings at first. Later, after her husband praised Narváez, she told Narváez she loved him. But Narváez left when he learned she was married.
Narváez's Kindness
When the newlyweds arrived at Álora, Rodrigo de Narváez welcomed them. He gave them food and a room. He also treated Abindarráez's wounds. Abindarráez asked Narváez for help with his problems.
Narváez wrote to the king of Granada. He promised to pay the ransom for his prisoners. In return, he asked the king to make Jarifa's father forgive them for marrying without his permission. Jarifa's father reluctantly agreed. The couple then returned to Coín.
Gifts and Gratitude
From Coín, Abindarráez sent his thanks and respect to Narváez. He also sent six thousand gold coins, four horses, four lances with golden handles, and four shields. Narváez accepted everything except the gold, which he sent back. Finally, Narváez wrote to Jarifa. In his letter, he explained his love and respect for Abindarráez.
Important Ideas in the Story
The Abencerraje explores several important ideas. These ideas help us understand the characters and their actions.
What is Generosity?
Generosity is a big idea throughout The Abencerraje. Rodrigo de Narváez shows great generosity. He lets Abindarráez go to Coín to marry Jarifa. In other stories from that time, Narváez might have killed or captured him. Narváez then lets the newlyweds stay with him and helps them even more. Abindarráez repays Narváez with a generous gift. Narváez even refuses the gold part of the gift.
What is Valour?
The idea of valour (bravery) is most clear in Abindarráez. Even though Rodrigo de Narváez is a famous knight, Abindarráez shows amazing courage. He single-handedly defeats many squires until the fresh Narváez steps in. We later learn that Abindarráez's strength came from his love for Jarifa.
What is Chivalry?
Chivalry is shown by both main characters. The Abencerraje is special because it shows chivalry in the Moorish character, Abindarráez. He is very loyal and brave fighting for Jarifa. He is also honest by returning to Rodrigo de Narváez as promised. Narváez, for his part, treats Abindarráez with respect. He gives him a fair deal and treats him like royalty when he returns.
What is Loyalty?
Loyalty is shown by Abindarráez after he is captured. He keeps his promise and returns to Narváez. Jarifa also shows great loyalty by going with him. Narváez shows loyalty by sticking to his word.
The Abencerraje on Stage
The National Classic Theatre Company created a play based on The Abencerraje. It first opened at the Pavón Theatre in Madrid in 2014. This was part of the 37th Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival. Borja Rodríguez directed the play, which was called La Hermosa Jarifa (The Lovely Jarifa). The play ran until 2016.
See also
- Novela morisca
- Moors
- Málaga
- Chivalric romance
In Spanish: Historia del Abencerraje y la hermosa Jarifa para niños
