Ludvig Holberg e le Moralske Fabler: il motivo del lupo monaco e la strumentalizzazione xenofoba di «Katten begiver sig i Munke-Orden»

Abstract

This work focuses on the collection of fables Moralske Fabler by Ludvig Holberg. In particular, the fable “Katten begiver sig i Munke-Orden” is analysed. An earlier study concerning this fable is taken into account, but its result, which identifies La Fontaine as a model, is not entirely convincing. By delving instead into the motif of the ‘wolf-monk’, it is possible to highlight clear similarities between Holberg’s fable and those centred on this narrative motif. In the second part we try to understand how Holberg’s texts can be overinterpreted and manipulated in light of the most recent historical events, such as the phenomenon of migration. This very fable is indeed used as a tool to convey a xenophobic message by the Danish anti-immigration association Den danske forening.

Keywords

• Enlightenment. Ludvig Holberg. Moralske Fabler. Wolf-Monk. Xenophobia