Pedro Gil

Pedro Gil (PEH-droh heel), affectionately known as Peregil (peh-reh-HEEL), is a modest water carrier hailing from Galicia. He is characterized by his joyful, honest, and amiable nature, laboring tirelessly alongside his loyal donkey to support his demanding wife and their hungry children. Peregil's compassion extends to all living beings, demonstrated when he encounters a sick Moor by the roadside. Despite the risk of persecution by the authorities for assisting a Moor, Peregil courageously straps the ailing man to his donkey and takes him home. Defying his wife's insistence to abandon the Moor, Peregil endeavors to nurse him back to health. Before the Moor succumbs to his illness, he rewards Peregil's kindness with a small sandalwood box.

Apprehensive about being accused of murder and robbery, Peregil discreetly buries the Moor under the cover of night. However, upon returning home, he is apprehended by the alguazil and brought before the Alcalde. After truthfully recounting the events, Peregil is acquitted but must forfeit his donkey to cover the inquiry's expenses. During a subsequent argument with his wife, the sandalwood box accidentally opens, revealing a scroll inscribed in Arabic and a yellow wax taper.

Peregil seeks assistance from a Moor who sells trinkets in the market, and together, they decide to read the scroll near the Tower of the Seven Floors, hoping to uncover the fabled enchanted treasure. As the floor opens, they fill their pockets with precious metals, agreeing to keep their fortune a secret. Peregil, unable to resist, confides in his wife about their newfound wealth. When his wife flaunts her riches, it attracts attention, leading to Peregil’s arrest along with the Moor. After retelling his story, the Alcalde, the barber, and the alguazil compel Peregil and the Moor to reopen the tower vault. When the three men succumb to their greed, the Moor extinguishes the taper, sealing the vault and entrapping them forever. Liberated from the situation, Peregil retrieves his donkey and relocates his family to Portugal, assuming the identity of the affluent Don Pedro Gil.

Pedrillo Pedrugo

Pedrillo Pedrugo (peh-DREE-yoh peh-DREW-goh) is a meddlesome barber and a nosy neighbor. Known for being a gossip and informant, Pedrillo observes Peregil with the Moor and decides to follow them to the burial site, which he subsequently reports to the Alcalde, his client. Pedrillo, rumored to sleep with one eye open, notices the new diamond ornament worn by Peregil's wife. Excited by this discovery, he hurries to inform the Alcalde. Accompanying the Alcalde and the alguazil to the tower, Pedrillo becomes entombed within its walls when the vault closes.

The Alcalde

The Alcalde (ahl-KAHL-deh) is a covetous judge who manipulates the legal system for personal financial gain. Initially suspecting Peregil of murdering and robbing the Moor, the Alcalde offers to overlook the crime in exchange for a share of Peregil's wealth. Upon realizing Peregil’s sincerity, he dismisses him but confiscates his donkey as payment for the inquiry. After Pedrillo's second report about Peregil's newfound riches, the Alcalde commands Peregil and the Moor to reopen the tower. Overwhelmed by greed, the Alcalde gathers more gold than Peregil's donkey can carry. Ignoring the Moor's wise counsel against avarice, he reenters the vault to seize more treasure, ultimately sealing his fate when the Moor extinguishes the light, trapping the judge within.

The Moor

The Moor, or Mussulman, is depicted as a reasonable, astute businessman. He agrees to assist Peregil, deciphering the scroll and unveiling the tower. Demonstrating a lack of greed, the Moor respects the legendary treasure and only takes what he requires. When coerced into reopening the vault, the Moor warns the Alcalde...