Page 24 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Saladin and Melchisedech

Saladin, the mighty Sultan of Babylon, finds himself in a moment of
financial difficulty. Though powerful and revered, he needs funds
to sustain his empire. He knows of Melchisedech, a wealthy Jewish
moneylender known for his prudence and wisdom. But Saladin, rather

than ask directly for a loan, devises a cunning test. He summons
Melchisedech and poses a dangerous question: “Which of the three
great religions, Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, is the true one?”

It’s a trap. Any answer Melchisedech gives could be used against
him. If he favors Judaism, he risks offending Saladin and provoking
retaliation. If he chooses Christianity or Islam, he betrays his own
faith. But Melchisedech, sensing the peril, responds not with argument

but with allegory.

He tells the story of a man who possesses a precious ring, said to
grant divine favor and love. Wishing to pass it to his heir, the man

finds himself torn between his three beloved sons. Unable to choose,
he secretly commissions two identical copies and gives one ring to
each son. After his death, each son claims to possess the true ring,
but none can prove it. The truth remains hidden, and the question of

legitimacy is left unresolved.

WITH ANGULAR FRAGMENTATION Melchisedech’s parable is a masterstroke. It suggests that each
AND KALEIDOSCOPIC LAYERING, religion, like each ring, may be equally valid in the eyes of its
THE COMPOSITION DISTILLS
THEOLOGICAL DEBATE INTO followers, and that the truth, if it exists, is not easily discerned.
AN ALLEGORICAL TAPESTRY, Saladin, struck by the merchant’s wisdom and grace, abandons
FUSING CUBIST DYNAMISM WITH his scheme. He asks Melchisedech for the loan directly, which is
MEDIEVAL MYSTIQUE TO MIRROR
THE PARABLE’S PHILOSOPHICAL granted without hesitation. Their relationship blossoms into one of
DEPTH AND INTERFAITH SUBTLETY. mutual respect and friendship.
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