Sommario
"La leggenda di Saladino" by Gaston Bruno Paulin Paris, translated by Mario Menghini, explores the medieval European fascination with Saladin, the renowned Muslim leader, through a collection of legends and anecdotes. The text traces both hostile and favorable narratives, from tales of his cunning rise to power and alleged Christian sympathies to romanticized stories of his chivalry and generosity.
It delves into historical distortions, portraying Saladin as a figure of intrigue, sometimes depicted as a near-Christian hero or a villain of servile origins. The work examines how these stories reflect the cultural and religious dynamics of the Crusades, blending historical analysis with literary critique.
This scholarly exploration offers insights into the medieval imagination and cross-cultural perceptions.