Abstract
Taking into account the historical development of the legend of La Cava, the daughter of Count Julián, I observe her metamorphosis from a silent figure, purely used as a narrative device during the medieval era, into a vocal, responsive, and willful character during the Siglo de Oro. Beginning with early medieval accounts, advancing through various romances, and culminating with her Golden Age appearance in Lope’s 1599 comedia, El postrer godo de España and Moreto's 1655 Baile entremesado del rey don Rodrigo y la Cava, I determine that her earlier, silent manifestations strongly parallel qualities of the subaltern, whereas her later forms evince a thoughtful, active, and thoroughly outspoken figure.