Page 52 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 52
Alatiel: A Story of Fate and Fortune Love
This tale, one of the most adventurous in The Decameron, tells of Alatiel, Abducted by the pirates, Alatiel passes through the hands of nine men
a princess of exceptional beauty who endures years of tumultuous trials across various lands over four years. Her path is shaped by a succession
across the Mediterranean, ultimately returning to her father and fulfilling of fortunes, wealthy merchants, powerful kings, and daring lovers all vie
her destined marriage. Boccaccio weaves themes of fate, love, and for her affection. Despite the shifting tides of her fate, Alatiel learns to
resilience into this intricate narrative. adapt and survive, though her heart suffers repeated loss and betrayal.
The Soldan of Babylon, wishing to secure political ties, arranges for his At last, Alatiel is returned to her father under the pretense of being
daughter Alatiel to marry the King of Algarve. However, on her voyage, untouched by her experiences. With her resilience intact, she assumes
pirates seize her ship, marking the beginning of her long and winding her role as a royal daughter, cloaking her tumultuous past in secrecy.
odyssey. Alatiel, renowned for her beauty, becomes a coveted prize for Restored to the guise of innocence, she marries the King of Algarve, as
many men, each encounter leaving an indelible mark on her journey. originally intended, fulfilling her father’s ambition.
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