The Legend of the face of Moro Castle Alicante

THE LEGEND OF THE FACE OF THE MORO.

This legend goes back to the early decades of Arab domination as the strength of Benacantil was the abode of a powerful Muslim Prince, cruel and despotic and master of the region. The submissive Christian population of the city kept baiting, so that his hatred of them made it impossible for the coexistence of the two confessions.

However, the Prince had a weakness, her daughter Zahara, beautiful and intelligent for his ambitious father, whose name was Ben-el-Abed Hacid, prestigious suitors had expected that alliances and wealth could provide for their own benefit but Zahara, did not feel at all concerned with the claims of his father.

Life was then a quiet and prosperous times due to a truce with the Christian population, which caused that followed the celebrations and festivities, organized by Prince in the Castle, in order to invite prestigious and bold suitors who could demonstrate their skills to her daughter Zahara to what the pretty girl always showed indifference.

In one of these holidays Zahara, tired and bored, especially walking in his garden when he heard a noise among the trees and saw a shadow hiding. The brave and curious did not hesitate to contact Princess intruder and say - who's there? -. From his hiding place appeared a handsome young Christian who stood watching her. Zahara questioned him and told him that if he was discovered by guards inside the compound, would be sentenced to death. The young man replied that he did not care after having admired her beauty and loveliness and have achieved their goal was to see her and look into his eyes. Zahara was nervous and embarrassed by the presence of young, as it was used to humiliate everybody to it.

Start a conversation and the young man showed his love for her, which caused the excitement of the Princess and began to be curious and appreciation for this young man, whose name was Fernando and was the eldest son of Count García de Onate, a bitter enemy of his father, Prince Ben-Muslim Abed-el-Hacid.

Zahara said. -I do not want to die .- and took her hand and directed him to a secret passageway, hidden behind a rosebush, and lead him outside the walls. I'll come back, 'said Fernando.

The days passed and Zahara could not take your mind to that handsome and daring young man who put his life in danger just to meet her. His sadness and melancholy esran obvious to the point that his mother did not take long to notice. The princess was in love. His mother warned him of danger would be if his father Fernando came to suspect.

In those days, Ben-el-Abed Hacid, made arrangements with the Sultan of Damascus, because in his mind the idea of ​​getting forged an alliance with that powerful sultan and at the same time will guarantee security for their beloved daughter and wealth for theirs.

While this was happening, every day the Princess was saddened and degrade, and that, it took time to realize his father, who began to worry and panic, and tried to comfort her daughter, but this one answered him clinging to him and crying.

Caused much concern in the Ben-Abed-Hacid decided to consult with the real astrologer who, after conducting appropriate investigations and cabals, the Prince replied: 'Your daughter, mighty lord, have a bad characteristic of youth. Love is sick of an impossible love - The Prince was furious and went to the astrologer: - Ibrahim, I think you're lying, but if you're so sure of it, give me the remedy is to heal my daughter, otherwise die - Ibrahim, the astrologer, he replied calmly: - Oh lord, nothing good would my death and that only love is the one who can save the Princess. 'Then immediately begin preparations for marriage to the Sultan, - Ben-Abed said - Oh, Prince, you have not understood anything. Zahara will not heal with the love you offered, but the one chosen by his heart .-

Meanwhile, Zahara came daily to his appointment with Fernando after the heavy roses that hid the passageway through which he agreed and so every day and intoxicated by the sweet smell of roses, were fed their love so much so that the Princess was willing to leave their country and their religion and jump these barriers to flee and spend the rest of her days with her beloved Fernando.

A few days later, Zahara was called to the presence of his father and informed him that this, in short, were to leave for Damascus to marry the powerful Sultan. A desperate cry came down the throat of the girl - No, I will not ever -. His father gets angry and confused, violently shook his daughter - Why disobey my orders Why not go - Because I love another .- said Zahara. His father slapped him - his name - he demanded as he continued shaking her so hard that the Princess could not help but reveal his passion.

Ben-Abed began chilar his revenge. I had to kill the boy.

Soon the soldiers to surprise the lovers and the young man was arrested. Zahara knew what was ahead for Fernando and ill. The Princess was dying ... of love.

His father, knowing the severity of the disease of young, and eaten with remorse, went to see her but not before having prepared a scheme as a good soldier he was.

-Zahara, she said let's make a pact. If I win, you have to obey my orders, which contained the wedding plans with the Sultan of Damascus, and if you win you, leave you freedom to choose your husband .- The girl nodded. But I could not accept.

Peering through the window he said, pointing Watch this landscape the slopes of Benacantil morning dawns, if covered with a snowy white coat, you win. If, however, as usual, you have won me and you will obey my orders .- hopelessly

The night was eternal Zahara. At dawn looked out the window a pure blue sky, which made him shudder but to sit up, a cry escaped his lips. Everyone was amazing extension covering his eyes was covered by a white mantle. All who lived nearby almond and the slopes of Benacantil had flourished that night, as if nature wanted to show solidarity with the Princess had won the bet

Zahara ran to his father's chambers thrilled to request the release of Fernando suddenly stopped and froze. Silenced. A shiver ran through her body. A piercing scream came from inside. His gaze was fixed on the tower of a human figure hanging from the gallows ... Her father had already served his revenge ahead of events. Zahara quickly went over there and hugged the body, already dead, Fernando. The two lovers, and together forever, rushed into the void to break the rope that held it. Ben-Abed ran to the tower trying to reach on time ... but it was too late. The Prince screamed and fainted also falling over the cliff, but his body was caught among the rocks and shrubs that form the "Castell Matx" also lost his life.

The next day, the whole city would be dumbfounded. In the Benacantil you could see a face carved into the rock, reminiscent of Prince Ben-Abed-el-Hacid. The popular imagination soon found the explanation. The Moro had been punished for his cruelty and his face would remain forever windswept and exposed to all the indignities of time and men.

(Legends of Alicante. Agustina Ruiz of Matthew and John Matthew Box)