Espill

Raimon's song "Espill" delves into the life and work of Jaume Roig, a notable figure from 15th-century Valencia. Roig was a celebrated physician and a significant literary figure, known for his misogynistic novel "Espill" (Mirror), written entirely in verse. The song provides a brief biography of Roig, highlighting his education in medicine and arts in Lleida and Paris, and his esteemed position as a medical examiner and counselor in Valencia. Raimon sets the stage for a chilling narrative extracted from Roig's work, which is both a historical account and a reflection of the dark themes prevalent in medieval literature.

The core of the song recounts a gruesome story from Roig's "Espill" about a Parisian restaurant that served human flesh. The narrative describes a New Year's Eve feast where the guests, initially unaware, discover human body parts in their meal. The detailed and horrifying description of the discovery of a human finger and ear in a pie, and the subsequent realization that the restaurant's proprietors were butchering and cooking their patrons, paints a vivid picture of medieval horror. This tale is not just a macabre story but also serves as a metaphor for the hidden dangers and moral corruption lurking beneath the surface of society.

Raimon's choice to highlight this particular story from Roig's "Espill" underscores the novel's misogynistic and misanthropic themes. The song reflects on the brutal and often grotesque realities of the time, as well as the deep-seated mistrust and fear of women, as evidenced by the depiction of the female innkeepers as deceitful and murderous. Through this narrative, Raimon invites listeners to ponder the historical context of Roig's work and the enduring impact of such dark tales on our understanding of human nature and societal norms.