Plot of the Castilian version (1253)
The Sendebar is a frame tale narrative, i.e. a series of stories gathered under an encompassing framing narrative which dictates the general storyline of the collection as a whole. While the frame provides the stage and context for the narrations that follow, their thematic content can be independent from the framing story. The Sendebar presents a well-developed framing structure, which can be summarized as follows:
King Alcos from Judea is much loved by his subjects and reigns justly. Unfortunately, however, despite the fact that he has ninety wives, he has not yet been able to produce an heir. One day, he declares his worries about this situation to his favorite wife, who suggests they pray to God in order to conceive a son. The good wife’s advice is followed...
2191 words
Citation: Dalsant, Alessia. "Sendebar". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 02 February 2016 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=35708, accessed 14 December 2025.]
