Legend of the Moor's Legacy

by Washington Irving

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Summary

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First published: 1832

Type of work: Tale

Type of plot: Folklore

Time of work: Seventeenth century

Locale: Granada, Spain

Principal Characters

Pedro Gil (Peregil): A water carrier

His Wife

A Moorish Shopkeeper

Pedrillo Pedrugo: A nosy barber

The Alcalde

A Constable

The Story

Near the regal palace of the Alhambra, in the bustling Square of the Cisterns, stood a renowned Moorish well. It was here that water carriers from every corner of Granada gathered. Some shouldered large earthen jars, while others, more affluent, led donkeys loaded with these vessels. This well wasn't merely a source of water; it was a social hub for housewives, servants, beggars, and idlers who convened daily to exchange the latest neighborhood gossip.

Among these water carriers was a tenacious little man named Pedro Gil, affectionately known as Peregil. Beginning his career with nothing more than a single water jar, Peregil's relentless work ethic soon earned him enough to purchase a donkey for his deliveries. With a cheerful demeanor and kind words for every woman he encountered, he was perceived as the most jovial man in the city. However, beneath his sunny exterior, Peregil struggled with the demands of a large, hungry family and a wife who spent frivolously while nagging him incessantly. Despite these challenges, he faced life with humor and patience.

One warm summer night, with hopes of earning enough for a Sunday meal, Peregil made a late trip to the well. He found a forlorn stranger in Moorish attire who claimed to be ill. Moved by compassion, Peregil offered the man a ride back to the city on his donkey. The traveler, lacking lodging, requested to stay at Peregil's humble abode, promising ample recompense for his kindness.

Though wary of hosting a non-believer, Peregil's generosity prevailed. Disregarding his wife's complaints, he made a comfortable space for the stranger. Soon, however, the Moor was seized by convulsions and, sensing death was near, entrusted Peregil with a small sandalwood box, claiming it held the secret to great riches. The man died before divulging its mysteries.

Fearing they might be accused of murder, Peregil's wife berated him for his decision, and in distress, they buried the Moor by the river under the cover of night.

Peregil's neighbor, a busybody barber named Pedrillo Pedrugo, had observed the stranger's arrival and the secret burial that followed. Eager to meddle, he reported the incident to the Alcalde, his frequent client.

The Alcalde, known for his corruptibility, sent a constable to summon Peregil. Trembling with fear, Peregil recounted his story in full, presenting the sandalwood box in his defense. Inside was a mere parchment scroll and a wax taper, disappointing the Alcalde, who confiscated Peregil's donkey as compensation for his "troubles."

Frustrated by his wife's taunts over the lost donkey, Peregil angrily threw the box, revealing the parchment. Curious, he sought the help of a Moorish shopkeeper, who identified it as an incantation to unearth treasure concealed beneath the Alhambra.

Initially skeptical, Peregil's interest piqued when he overheard rumors about hidden riches beneath the Tower of the Seven Floors. He proposed a partnership with the Moorish shopkeeper to seek the treasure, revealing he also possessed the magical taper necessary for the incantation.

Under the cover of darkness, they ventured to the tower, descended into its damp vault, and lit the magical taper. As the Moor chanted the incantation, the ground rumbled, revealing a passage to a lower vault. Within, they discovered a trove of gold coins, gems, and two enchanted warriors standing guard.

Astounded, Peregil and the Moor pocketed as much treasure as they could. As they retreated,...

(This entire section contains 1164 words.)

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they extinguished the taper, sealing the vault once more.

Despite their efforts to keep the discovery secret, Peregil's wife flaunted their newfound wealth, drawing attention. The nosy barber, spotting her with lavish jewels, once again informed the Alcalde, who summoned Peregil to account for the deception.

Upon verifying Peregil's tale with the Moor, the Alcalde's avarice grew insatiable. He gathered his cronies, including the barber, and coerced Peregil and the Moor to guide them to the treasure. Bringing Peregil's erstwhile donkey, they entered the vault, where once more the incantation was read, and the treasure was revealed.

However, greed led the Alcalde and his companions into the vault, only for the Moor to extinguish the taper, sealing them within forever. Declaring it the will of Allah, he discarded the taper.

Freed of their rivals, Peregil and the Moor shared the remaining treasure. Soon after, the Moor returned to Tangier, while Peregil relocated with his family to Portugal. There, they lived in affluence, with Peregil earning respect as Don Pedro Gil. The avaricious Alcalde, the barber, and their ilk remain entombed beneath the tower, a testament to their greed.

Critical Evaluation

Washington Irving's "Legend of the Moor's Legacy" draws from his firsthand experiences in the Alhambra, where he resided in 1829. At the time, the fortress had yet to be restored, hosting a mix of beggars and wanderers. This setting inspired the vivid backdrop of his tale, populated with characters reminiscent of the real-life figures he encountered.

Irving expertly melded local folklore with his narrative, crafting a story that feels both timeless and familiar. Peregil's journey from poverty to wealth mirrors classic tales of fortune, yet Irving's portrayal is enriched by his vibrant descriptions of Granada.

While the plot follows a traditional arc, the authenticity and detail Irving infuses into his work elevate "Legend of the Moor's Legacy" above ordinary folktales. His love for exotic locales and historical settings shines through, inviting readers to experience these distant realms through his eyes.

The revised 1850 edition of THE ALHAMBRA reflects Irving's matured style, weaving together stories with a consistent mood of nostalgia and enchantment. This work not only captures his romantic spirit but also highlights his skill in blending folklore with personal experience.

Bibliography

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  • Williams, Stanley T. The Life of Washington Irving. 2 vols. New York: Oxford University Press, 1935.
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