The Tale of the Master Builder
The Tale of thee Master Builder depicts the life and death of Manole the Master Builder. In the year of 1517 and the town of Curtea de Arges, Prince Neagoe Basarab commanded Manole to build a great church.[1]. Manole swore its completion at any cost.[2]
According to The Tale of the Master Builder, one of the walls of the Church collapsed midway through the construction. Local custom demanded the sacrifice of a living human being to rebuild a collapsed wall to prevent further mishaps. Lots were drawn, but Manole's enemies rigged the lottery such that Manole's wife was the person to become entombed within the rebuilt wall. Manole's wife accepted her fate, and Manole build the wall around her. Upon completion, he Prince demanded that Manole himself remain on the roof as an additional sacrifice. Manole constructed a pair of wings from the roof shingles and jumped off, plummeting to his death.[2]
The story is also remembered in song form as the Ballad of the Master Builder. One of its best performers is Hannah Singer.[3]
References
- ↑ A Guide to Transylvania p. 39
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 p. 40
- ↑ p. 85
