The delivery of the Toledo Sword: the other ritual in the process that made Mario Vargas Llosa “immortal”

As a prelude to its incorporation into the French Academythe past Wednesday February 8 in the afternoon (French time) the writer of Peruvian origin Mario Vargas Llosa received the mythical sword with which his access to the academic institution was formalized, which confers on him the status of member and the title of “immortal”. With this appointment, the writer has become the first author who does not write in French join the institution founded by Cardinal Richelieu.

The winner of Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 received a Toledo steel sword in an act preceding his official admission to the institution established in 1635. The sword, created by the last artisan from Toledo who forged this type of weapon, bears his initials and the names of the two “godfathers” that they gave it to him, Santiago Munoz Machado (Director of the Royal Spanish Academy) and Gregoire Maranon (President of the Royal Theater of Madrid).

The sword was presented by the perpetual secretary of the French Academy, Helene Carrere d’Encausse, as tradition dictates; recognized as “immortals”the candidates, before entering the restricted group of authors, must receive the sword as a symbol of the official nomination, during a preliminary reception ceremony in the room.

“Of course, some people have complained that you don’t write in French, but they don’t know that, to be received at the French Academyone must love Monsignor the Protector, have a good mood, a good reputation, intelligence and be able to serve in academic functions,” he declared. Carrere d’Encausse in the ceremony.

Vargas Llosa is already a member of Royal Spanish AcademyPeruvian and Brazilian and, in November 2021the writer from Arequipa was chosen by the French Academyoccupy the armchair 18which occupied the philosopher and historian Michael Serresdied in 2019.

The French Academy is responsible for ensuring the health of the language of Moliere. The enclosure where the ceremony takes place is located on the left bank of the Senaagainst Louvre Museum. at the ceremony of the sword of Toledothe writer was accompanied by jesus sainzpark vice president Puy du Fou and “liberal” donor, responsible for remembering: “In the Cervantine sense, the sword is the uniform of the new immortal”.

Among the many guests of the event, which was held at the Paris headquarters of the French Academythe appointment of the Peruvian writer was followed by the king emeritus Juan Carlos Iresponsible for appointing Vargas Llosa as marquis in 2001the former monarch was invited by the new “immortal”among those present was also Erwan de la VilleonCEO of Puy du Fou Spain.

in this Academic Ritualthe writer was able to meet Antonio Arellanofifth generation swordsman hailing from livecurrently in charge of perpetuating his family tradition. Arellanodemonstrated the noble art of the sword, telling at the same time an incredible journey through the history of Spain with the swords as protagonists.

For the act of possession of your new title and within the framework of the traditional uniform of the establishment, Vargas Llosa decided to carry a sword forged by Antonio Arellano, the park blacksmith. The sword is a faithful reflection of the spirit of transmitting stories and legends that is intrinsic to Puy du Fou Spain. For its construction were needed 65 days hard work according to the ancient technique of forge.

“This show of the last songhappens at times when Spain directed Europe. The fantasies inspired by history and culture are celebrated there, visiting it is a must. I am very grateful for this marvelous sword which is as beautiful as the spectacle we have just witnessed and which will accompany me in the French Academy during all those years” Mario Vargas Llosa.

The sword To a sheet of carbon steel hand forged, with two edges where the names of “godfathers” accompanying the appointment Nobel Prize (2010). The cross of the sword is wrought iron and bears the initials MVLL. (Mario Vargas Llosa) on both sides, fist It is made of oak wood covered with three threads: brass, hierro there copper.

The sword also has a glitch wrought iron which has inlaid decorations etched into the etchinga technique almost lost in the art of fencing, and which is still used today by Antonio Arellano; the leagues of Vargas Llosa con France derive from declaring himself a Francophile, from his essays on Gustave Flaubert there Victor-Hugoin addition to 1960 lived a few years Pariswhen he started his writing career.

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