Chronica de El-Rey D. Affonso II

This compact chronicle paints a vivid picture of Portugal’s third king, a ruler whose reign is marked by bold religious fervor and the practical realities of his corpulent frame. Drawing on original royal records, the author guides listeners through the early days of a dynasty renowned for expanding both territory and the Christian faith.

Undeterred by his nickname ‘the Fat’, the king joins a campaign, convinced that divine duty outweighs any personal inconvenience, a stance that illustrates his deep‑seated piety. A highlight of the narrative is the miraculous arrival of the relics of five Franciscan martyrs in Coimbra, which the monarch receives personally, reinforcing his image as a guardian of holy treasures. Meanwhile, disputes with his sisters surface, and the king’s willingness to seek compromise reveals a pragmatic side to his authority, hinting at the diplomatic skill that would define his reign.