Pero Ferrús

Who is Pero Ferrús?

Pero Ferrús was a Castilian poet. He lived in Alcalá de Henares.

Ferrús was a Marrano, having converted to Christianity from Judaism. The reasons for conversion by Marranos were various, but it did offer opportunities for advancement within the Christian world. Like several Marrano writers, Ferrús simulated the Christian faith while mocking his former co-religionists in his poetry. In Cantiga 302, he describes himself as being exhausted, seeking rest in a synagogue. Unfortunately, this sleep is disturbed by "Jews with long beards and slovenly garments come thither for early morning prayer." Ferrús himself wrote a poem through which the Jewish community in Alcalá could respond to his jests. In Cantiga 303, they consider his poetry as proceeding from a lengua juglara.

Ferrús wrote his poetry in the Provençal style, during a time in which this style was exceedingly popular at the Castilian court. His poetry celebrates the reign and accomplishments of Henry II of Castile. Ferrús makes an early reference to chivalric romances when he compares, for example, his love for his lady with the riches owned by Rrey Lysuarte. He is thus known to have read the popular romance Amadis of Gaul.