The lineage of Tubal: biblical narrative and national identity in Spain

Abstract

The aim of this study is to tackle and analyze in a chronologically thorough way the central role that the myth of Tubal has played in the Spanish national historical narrative, particularly as an explanation of the origin of the Spanish people. The tradition that states that the son of Japhet, and grandson of Noah, is the predecessor and forefather of the Spaniards, in a strictly biological sense, has its origin in the early Middle Age, Isidore of Seville being a decisive author in this respect. After its revitalization in the 13th century, this has been the dominant conception until the second half of the 19th century, with significant continuities until the mid 20th century. The connection of the Spaniards (later on the Spanish nation) with the biblical patriarch renders an idea of origin in a primordialist sense, provides the national community with an extensive history, strengthening therefore group cohesion, and offers an argument to assert the particular excellence of the Spanish nation, and its superiority over other nations.