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December 20, 2025

‘From her pen sprang unforgettable females’: 16th-century Spanish author’s knight’s tale given reboot

Beatriz Bernal’s pioneering novel features brave, chivalrous women who ride dragons and her adapter wants his illustrated version to reach young readers

‘From her pen sprang unforgettable females’: 16th-century Spanish author’s knight’s tale given reboot

TL;DR

  • Cristalián de España, published in 1545 by Beatriz Bernal, is the earliest known novel by a female Spanish author.
  • The novel features swords, sorcerers, dragons, and damsels, and is being adapted for younger readers by Diego Arboleda.
  • Bernal's female characters, such as Membrina and Minerva, are depicted as strong and active, moving away from passive archetypes.
  • Arboleda's adaptation aims to make Bernal's work more accessible, highlighting its imaginative elements and strong female perspectives.
  • Bernal's work was recognized in her time, with her knight being namechecked by poet Luis de Góngora.

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