Page 234 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Saladin and Messer Torello : A Tale of Honor Across World

Messer Torello d’Istria, a nobleman from Pavia, is known for his gracious
hospitality and refined character. One day, he encounters a group of foreign
merchants traveling through Lombardy. Sensing their noble bearing, Torello
invites them to his estate, offering lavish food, fine garments, and heartfelt

kindness. What he doesn’t know is that one of these travelers is Saladin, the
Sultan of Egypt and Syria, disguised and touring Europe to assess the strength
of the Christian kingdoms before the Crusades erupt.

Saladin is deeply moved by Torello’s generosity. Though he keeps his identity hidden,
he vows to one day repay the kindness shown to him. The two part ways, each
returning to their respective worlds, one to prepare for war, the other to join it.

Before leaving for the Crusades, Torello makes a solemn pact with his wife: if he
does not return within a year, a month, and a day, she may remarry. Fate, however,
has other plans. Torello is captured and sold into slavery in Alexandria. His noble
demeanor and skill in falconry soon catch the attention of Saladin, who recognizes

him as the man who once welcomed him so warmly.

Revealing his true identity, Saladin elevates Torello from captive to honored
guest, showering him with respect and affection. But Torello, stricken with

illness and longing for his wife, fears he will never see her again. In a final act
of friendship and wonder, Saladin employs magical arts to transport Torello
overnight to Pavia, just as his wife’s second wedding is about to begin.

INTRICATE PATTERNS AND
POETIC ABSTRACTION HIGHLIGHT Torello arrives in time to halt the ceremony, revealing himself to the
GENEROSITY AND LOYALTY. astonished crowd. His wife, still devoted, embraces him, and the two are
THE DESIGN TRANSPORTS joyfully reunited. The tale ends not only with love restored, but with a
VIEWERS INTO A REALM WHERE powerful message: that true nobility lies in the heart, and that kindness,
HISTORY AND MYTH INTERTWINE
SEAMLESSLY. across cultures and creeds, can forge bonds stronger than war.
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