The supernatural in early Spanish literature

Delving into the rich tapestry of medieval Spain, this study surveys the many ways the supernatural appears in the writings produced under King Alfonso X, el Sabio. Drawing from texts in Castilian, Latin, Arabic and Hebrew, the author gathers a diverse array of legends, prayers, and scholarly treatises that reveal the everyday anxieties and marvels of the era’s people.

Through careful classification and analysis, the work uncovers how medieval Spaniards understood miracles, omens, and occult practices, offering a window into their collective mindset. Readers will come away with a clearer picture of how folklore and learned discourse intertwined at the royal court, and why those ancient beliefs continue to intrigue scholars of literature and cultural history alike.