The making of the identity of new emerging powers in the Mediterranean between the 11th and 13th centuries is a fascinating topic. In this context, it is especially relevant the public display of Hercules in a series of artworks in cities... more
The making of the identity of new emerging powers in the Mediterranean between the 11th and 13th centuries is a fascinating topic. In this context, it is especially relevant the public display of Hercules in a series of artworks in cities related to the journey of the Greek hero to Hesperia. These depictions encompass many aspects -sacred and profane- of his medieval legend: Hercules as a model of strength for the Christian ruler, Hercules the mythical founder of cities, and Hercules the wandering hero. An accurate analysis of each case will allow us to evaluate the importance of Hercules in building an identity for the rising powers in the Mediterranean and, ultimately, the usefulness of these myths in helping them invent a new past.
This essay analyses the importance of unifying national myths in creating a sense of ‘imagined community’ essential for legitimising governments, fostering national cohesion and instilling a sense of common destiny. The author selects... more
This essay analyses the importance of unifying national myths in creating a sense of ‘imagined community’ essential for legitimising governments, fostering national cohesion and instilling a sense of common destiny. The author selects Iraq as a case study, examining the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq as a missed opportunity to place greater emphasis on programmes of national unity and to foster a sense of nationhood based on shared understandings of past grievances.The essay notes that identity myths are not frozen in time and space but are rather contextual and shifting: Iraq is a case in point in which sectarian myths achieve salience when political fear threatens marginalisation and exclusion.
En el siguiente artículo se pretende exponer el desarrollo del relato fundacional de los Mariño desde el siglo XIV hasta el siglo XVII determinando las problemáticas historiográficas, iconográficas y textuales sobre la relación de la... more
En el siguiente artículo se pretende exponer el desarrollo del relato fundacional de los Mariño desde el siglo XIV hasta el siglo XVII determinando las problemáticas historiográficas, iconográficas y textuales sobre la relación de la sirena y su aprovechamiento en el linaje y genealogía de esta familia noble gallega y sus ramas secundarias (Fandiño, Goyanes). Se expondrán las problemáticas de la supervivencia del mito en el tránsito a la Edad Moderna y la crítica textual a la integración de dicho relato dentro de la materia de Melusina al que demostraremos que no pertenece.
In this paper we will expose the development of Mariño´s foundational story since 14th until 17th centuries concerning historiographical, iconographical and writing problems about the relation of the mermaid with the ancestry and genealogy of this noble galician family and its secondary branches (Fandiño, Goyanes). It will be exposed the problematics of this myth´s survivance in transit to the Modern Age and the textual criticism of this story as a Melusine literary matter which it will be prove that does not belong. Key words: Mariño, mermaid, genealogy, ancestry, armorials, memory, fundational myth.
Leggende sulla fondazione di Cremona. Viaggiatori reali, viaggiatori immaginari: all’origine vera o sognata delle nostre comunità, città e civiltà amiamo immaginare un viaggio. Segno, impresso nella memoria e nella coscienza collettiva,... more
Leggende sulla fondazione di Cremona. Viaggiatori reali, viaggiatori immaginari: all’origine vera o sognata delle nostre comunità, città e civiltà amiamo immaginare un viaggio. Segno, impresso nella memoria e nella coscienza collettiva, dell’unica autoctonia possibile dell’uomo sulla Terra: il suo essere venuto da lontano, avere cercato pace, avere fatto casa con altri.
