THE MYTHICAL APPROACH IN O CONQUISTADOR OF ALMEIDA FARIA – WHY TALK ABOUT SEBASTIANISM?

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an overview of the evolution of the Sebastianism Mith in Portugal, applied to the analysis of the romance O Conquistador (1990) by Almeida Faria, in which we can see an approximation between the protagonist and the mytical entity. This myth represents the wait for the predestined savior, who, after Alcácer Quibir (1578), was incorporated for king Dom Sebastião, who disappeared in the fighting. In that way, The Conqueror presents the life course of the character Sebastião who is constantly related to the historical character, using similarities and counterpoints. The purpose of Almeida Faria’s narrative is not to equate the two characters, valuing the mith, but to build connection points that suggest the possible reincarnation of Dom Sebastião of a parodic way, to the point of desacralizing the Sebastianism mith. Throughout the narrative, Sebastião begins to present his biography, embodyng the parallel between the character and the mythical figure, the historical-social imaginary of the portuguese nation.  We highlight, among the analyzed narrative events, the character’s birth, in mythcal circumstances; the presentation of coincidences related at the family, physical and psychological characteristics of Sebastião; and, finally, the category of the grotesque, marked on description of his dreams and his “exceptional” sexuality. We note, therefore, that the parallel made in the romance contributes to the aproximation with the myth of the portuguese king, but, mainly, to the deconstruction of the idealized image that is normally conferred to him.