A Literal Interpretation of Berceo's Sacrificio 218c

Abstract

Verse c should call to mind the fact that the shepherd of Berceo's time was just as obliged to provide his flock with this important mineral as are modern sheep herders today who set out salt licks in the pastures. However, that should be referring to the shepherd's lowly concerns has somehow escaped two recent commentators. Richard Terry Mount, in his 1977 study The Figure of the Shepherd in Berceo shuns the literal sense of Sacrificio 218c by making the following observation: Eating salt with someone means to be bound to him in loyalty (272). Likewise, Brian Dutton interprets the phrase comer de la su as aceptar sus ensefianzas (62). Both overlook the rough-edged realism of the metaphor by failing to note the need of all livestock for salt, and the shepherd's unique role in providing it. Salt as a symbol for a pact can be traced to the Old Testament (Leviticus 2:13 and elsewhere); among the Arabs a sacred bond between the host and guest results from partaking of another man's salt (Brewer 1096); Sorapain de Rieros (1615) suggests the diffusion of similar beliefs in Spain: [A]ntiguamente, le atribuian [a la sal] la tercera significaci6n, que es de amistad, y confederaci6n: de adonde vino la costumbre que quando los hombres hazian contratos, pazes, y amistades, comian sal, significando, que assi como la sal es incorruptible, y a modo de eterna, assi las confederaciones, y amistades, de alli adelante lo auian de ser (306).