María de Molina and the legend of the Carvajales in La inocente sangre, by Lope de Vega

Abstract

Queen María de Molina (c. 1264-1321) was a fundamental figure in the post-Alfonsine era, one of the most complex periods in the history of Castile, officially during the reigns of her husband, her son, and her grandson. Her governing abilities and the authority she acquired not only guaranteed her political prominence but also favored her rapid transformation into a literary character. On the 17th century stages, the work that most celebrated her was La prudencia en la mujer, by Tirso de Molina, a comedia that has already aroused considerable critical interest. However, María de Molina also appears in the first act of La inocente sangre, by Lope de Vega. This is a less known and studied work, focusing not on the queen but on the legend of the Carvajales; nevertheless, despite her reduced stage presence, the character of María de Molina is significant and reveals how the role of this lady of Castile continued to be interpreted and valued.