Valencian elegy as universal topic: the fall of valencia from the Sharq al-Andalus to the Philippine «Romancero»

Abstract

Abstract: The article studies the development of the concept of Valencia as «Lost Paradise», from Sharq al-Andalus Arabic literature to the metrical romances developed in the Philippine Archipelago. The paper focuses on the conceptualization of Valencian Elegy and its use as literary topic from eastern al-Andalus to the easternmost Hispanic domain, explaining the implications of Romancero in the Philippines and the presence of the Kingdom of Valencia in Philippine Literature. The fall of Islamic Valencia under the Christians created a literary fascination for Valencia as paradise, which would cross cultures as literary topic. Its influence on Asian literature would prove to be significant in the conformation of Philippine classicism based on Moors and Christians dramas and romanceros.

Key words: Sharq al-Andalus, Valencia, Elegy, Lost Paradise, Philippine Literature, Romancero.