Page 222 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Nathan and Mithridanes : A Tale of Envy, Wisdom, and Redemption
VIBRANT CONTRASTS AND
LAYERED TEXTURES HIGHLIGHT
MITHRIDANES’ JOURNEY FROM
ENVY TO ADMIRATION. ABSTRACT
FORMS AND FLUID MOVEMENT
DEPICT HUMILITY, MORAL CLARITY,
AND MUTUAL RESPECT BETWEEN
THE TWO MEN.
DECAMERON 220
In the Decameron’s Tenth Day, Third Novell, Giovanni Boccaccio presents
a parable-like story that explores the corrosive nature of envy and the
transformative power of humility and generosity. Set in the distant land of
Cathay, the tale introduces Nathan, a nobleman of immense wealth and
even greater virtue. His palace, situated along a major trade route, is open
to all travelers, whom he welcomes with lavish hospitality and sincere
kindness. Nathan’s reputation for generosity becomes legendary, earning
him admiration across the known world.
But not everyone is inspired, some are provoked. Mithridanes, a young
and affluent nobleman, becomes consumed by jealousy. He sees Nathan’s
fame as a threat to his own ambitions and decides that the only way to
eclipse Nathan’s legacy is to eliminate him. His envy blinds him to the true
nature of virtue, reducing generosity to a competitive sport.
On his journey to carry out the murder, Mithridanes unknowingly
encounters Nathan himself, who conceals his identity and listens
patiently to the young man’s grievances. Rather than reacting with anger
or fear, Nathan responds with astonishing grace. He not only forgives
Mithridanes in advance but even offers advice on how best to carry out
the assassination, suggesting a secluded grove and an escape route. This
act of selflessness and moral clarity stuns Mithridanes.
When Mithridanes arrives at the grove and recognizes Nathan as the
man he has come to kill, he is overwhelmed by guilt and awe. Nathan’s
willingness to sacrifice himself, not out of weakness, but from a profound
commitment to his values, forces Mithridanes to confront the emptiness
of his envy. He begs for forgiveness, which Nathan grants without
hesitation, and the two men forge a deep and lasting friendship.
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