A Look into Bécquer’s Legends
Brief Description
About Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
Gustavo Adolfo Domínguez Bastida, known as Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, was born in Seville on February 17, 1836. Orphaned at the age of five, he began his studies at San Antonio Abad and later continued at the College of San Telmo.
At 17, he moved to Madrid seeking fortune but found employment as a clerk in the Department of National Heritage. His fondness for drawing led to his dismissal. He attempted to live by selling his literary articles and drawings, but they sold poorly.
Eventually, he secured a position in a magazine’s editorial staff, where he wrote most of his legends. In 1862, he moved in with his brother until the latter’s death in 1870. This deeply affected Bécquer, who soon fell ill with pneumonia, which developed into hepatitis. He died on September 22, 1870, at the age of 34.
Legends
The Christ of Calvary
Abstract: During the Reconquista, the King of Castile summoned his knights and nobles. Inés de Tordesillas, the most beautiful lady in Castile, was admired by all. At the king’s feast, two of her admirers, Lope Carrillo and Alonso Sandoval, engaged in a battle of compliments. Inés accidentally dropped her glove, and both men rushed to retrieve it. The king intervened, returning the glove to Inés.
Carrillo and Sandoval decided to duel. They found a shed with a Christ and skull illuminated by a light. Each time their swords touched, the light extinguished. Realizing it was divine intervention, they agreed to let Inés decide. They went to her balcony, only to see her bidding farewell to her true love. Initially drawing their swords, they soon realized the situation and laughed.
The next day, Inés, worried about the laughter, was relieved to see her lover among the departing company.
The Kiss
Abstract: During the Napoleonic Wars, a young captain arrived in Toledo. He reluctantly slept in a decommissioned church filled with marble statues. The next day, he met with other captains, including a former classmate. He recounted seeing a beautiful lady in the church.
The other captains assumed he had seen a statue. He insisted it was a living woman. They agreed to dine at the church to investigate. The captain learned the lady’s name was Doña Elvira Castalleda and her companion was a warrior.
During dinner, the drunken captain insulted Elvira’s husband and kissed the statue. The warrior statue struck him, causing him to bleed from his nose, mouth, and eyes.
The Gold Bracelet
Abstract: A beautiful woman, more demonic than angelic, wept over a bracelet worn by the Virgin Mary in a temple. She dreamed of a woman offering her the jewel. She refused to pray the rosary, fearing it would cause more sorrow.
She stole the bracelet but was confronted by floating spirits. Overwhelmed, she went mad.
The Miserere
Abstract: A man discovered a book in an abbey and asked an old man about an unfamiliar term. The old man told a story of a man who sought shelter in the abbey. He was composing a Miserere to seek God’s forgiveness.
He heard the dead monks singing a Miserere and was inspired. However, a flash of lightning blinded him. He wrote down what he had heard but couldn’t finish the ending. He died in despair.
El Monte de las Ánimas (The Mount of Souls)
Abstract: In Soria, Beatriz and her cousin Alonso walked to the Mount of Souls. Alonso loved Beatriz, but his love was unrequited. Beatriz lost a blue ribbon. Alonso gave her a jewel, while she planned to give him the ribbon.
On All Saints’ Day, Alonso went to retrieve the ribbon. Beatriz heard strange noises. The next morning, she found the ribbon on her nightstand and learned of Alonso’s death. The shock killed her.
The Devil’s Cross
Abstract: A man hiking to Bellver discovered a cross. His guide told him it was cursed and explained the name “The Devil’s Cross.”
Maese Pérez, the Organist
Abstract: Maese Pérez, a famous organist in Seville, fell ill on Christmas Eve. A jealous organist offered to play in his place, but Pérez insisted on playing one last time. He died during the mass.
The following year, a new organist played poorly. Two years later, the Mother Superior’s daughter saw Pérez’s ghost playing the organ.
Promise
Abstract: Margarita wept as her lover, Pedro, went to war. She later fainted upon realizing Pedro was the Count of Gomara.
The Count, pale and thoughtful after battle, recounted strange events: a hand saved him from enemy spears, and a woman stopped a crossbow bolt. A minstrel sang “The Romance of the Dead Hand,” about a squire in love with a countess.
The Count learned the romance originated from Gomara. He knelt at Margarita’s grave, took her hand, and married her in a ghostly ceremony. Her hand sank into the ground.
The White Doe
Abstract: Don Dionis had a beautiful daughter, Constance. Her servant, Garcés, loved her. A boy, Esteban, claimed he saw a talking white doe. Garcés believed hunting the doe would win Constance’s love.
Garcés shot the doe, only to find Constance dying in its place, pierced by his arrow.
Green Eyes
Abstract: Fernando de Argensola hunted a deer near the haunted Source of the Poplars. He became ill, claiming he saw a woman’s green eyes. He returned to the source, saw the woman, and drowned in the lake.
The Moonlight
Abstract: Manrique, a solitary nobleman, enjoyed moonlit walks along the Duero River. He saw a woman’s white dress and fell in love with the image. Two months later, he saw the flash again. It was moonlight through the trees.
Characters
- Doña Inés de Tordesillas: A beautiful lady of the court.
- Don Álvaro Carrillo: One of Inés’ admirers.
- Don Lope de Sandoval: Carrillo’s rival for Inés’ love.
- Manrique: A nature-loving nobleman.
- Fernando de Argensola: A man drawn to mysteries.
- Alonso: A brave man who died retrieving something for his beloved Beatriz.
- Beatriz: Alonso’s cousin and beloved.
- Maese Pérez: A blind organist who died playing during midnight mass.
Personal Opinion
This book is appealing because it recounts historical events and legends. The romantic legends have dramatic endings. The diverse settings and simple language make it an interesting and easy read.