Narratives of Poisoning in the Chronicles of Pedro López de Ayala
In: The Medieval Chronicle 14Search for other papers by Lynne Echegaray in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
The four chronicles written by royal chancellor Pedro López de Ayala cover the reigns of Castilian kings from 1350â1396. During this period the unexplained or sudden deaths of those close to monarchs were often rumored to have resulted from the administration of poison. My study will examine a selection of narratives of poisonings attributed to kings and their physicians in Castilla and Navarra during the second half of the fourteenth century. These passages will be discussed in terms of their style, veracity and authorial intent. In addition, Ayalaâs skillful mastery of near-subliminal messages will be noted.