The Legend of the Rooster

This legend tells of the townsfolk of Barcelos, who were upset by a crime whose author had yet to be brought to justice. One day, there appeared a stranger from Galicia, whom the residents suspected of being the culprit. Notwithstanding his protestations of innocence, the man was soon arrested.

The accused claimed he had been on his way to Santiago de Compostela to fulfill a vow; that he was fervent devotee of St. Paul of Our Lady, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Nobody believed the traveler’s testimony, and so was condemned to be hanged. On his way to the gallows, however, he demanded to be taken once more before the judge who had condemned him.

His request was granted, and he was led to the home of the Magistrate, who was dining with friends. The Galician once again proclaimed his innocence and, to the amazement of those present, pointed to a roast chicken on the table and exclaimed: “As surely as I am innocent, so shall that rooster crow if I am hanged!” His comments met with only laughter, but in the end someone said, “One never knows,” and it was agreed that the rooster not be eaten for the time being.

Then, the unthinkable happened. At the very moment the noose was being placed about the pilgrim’s neck, the rooster stood up on the table and crowed. None doubted the condemned man any longer, and the Magistrate rushed to the gallows. Horrified, he caught sight of the wretched man with the noose around his neck…but the knot had caught, and stopped the rope from tightening. The prisoner was immediately released and sent on his way in peace.

Some years later, the traveler returned to Barcelos, where he built a monument to the Virgin Mary and to St. James (Santiago).

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