This is a story about a legend. "The legend of the Galo de Barcelos"..
The story tells us about a dead roosters miraculous intervention in proving the innocence of a man who had been falsley accused of stealing silver and was sentenced to death.
The silver was taken from a great landowner in "Barcelos" (north of Portugal). The people of the city were looking for the criminal.
One day a man from neighboring 'Galicia' turned up and became the suspect.
Despite pleading his innocence- The Galician swore that he was only passing through 'Barcelos' on a pilgrimage to "Santiago de Compostela", to complete a promise.
He was nevertheless arrested and condemned to hang. The Galician asked them if he could take him in front of the Judge who had condemned him. His request was honoured.
Arriving at the house of the Judge, who was holding a banquet at that time, with friends. The Galician affirming his innocence , and pointed to a roasted 'cock' on top of the banquet table , and explained.
"It is as certain that i am innocent as it is certain that the rooster will crow when they hang me"
The Judge pushed aside his plate and decided not to eat the rooster, but still ignored the Galician's appeal.
While the pilgrim was being hanged. The rooster stood up on the table and crowed as the 'Galician' had predicted.
Realizing his error, the Judge ran to the gallows, only to find out that the Galician had been saved by a poorly made knot in the rope.
The Pilgrim was immediately freed and sent off in peace.
Some years later the Galician returned to 'Barcelos' to sculpt the calvery or cruz fix to the lord of the rooster. In praise of the Virgin Mary and st James.
The monument is located within the Archeological Museum in ' Paço de condes'..and is part of the 17th century 'Calvary' that is part of the collection of the museum..
This is a legend dear friends.. and many stories of the "Rooster" have been told. This is the one that i learnt about over 40 years ago.
When telling any tale.. it always changes from smaller to larger.
Sometimes legends are based on truth's.. who knows if this was so.
Most Portuguese households have a 'galo' in their kitchen.
There are now some modern designers out there making some beautiful 'roosters'.
Hope you enjoy this read.