The narrative centers on a mysterious and enchanting woman known as the Mulata of Cordoba, who possesses extraordinary beauty and supernatural abilities. Living in Cordoba, she is rumored to have a close relationship with the devil, which contributes to her enigmatic reputation. Despite her witch-like powers, she is also known for her kindness, helping those in need and maintaining a modest appearance. Her agelessness and ability to appear in multiple places simultaneously only add to her legend. The Mulata becomes the subject of fascination and gossip, with many believing she can grant impossible wishes. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she is imprisoned by the Inquisition, sparking rumors about the reasons for her arrest, ranging from a jilted lover's betrayal to her wealth. Years later, it is announced that she will face execution at an auto de fe, but before this can occur, she mysteriously escapes from her cell. The escape occurs during a visit from the chief Inquisitor, who is astonished to find a detailed drawing of a ship on the prison wall. The Mulata engages him in a conversation that reveals her wicked nature, and in a moment of magic, she leaps onto the ship and steers it away, sailing through the wall and disappearing. The Inquisitor, witnessing this miraculous event, loses his sanity and is confined to a mental institution, haunted by visions of the Mulata and her ship. Ultimately, the Mulata's fate remains unknown, but it is widely believed that she has been claimed by the devil, leaving behind a legacy of wonder and fear. The story concludes with a note on the historical significance of the Inquisition building, now a medical school, where these events transpired.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1894 · Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction