The series, titled “Mitos y personajes de la literatura universal” (Myths and Characters of Universal Literature), offers an in-depth analysis of characters who have transcended their original works to become cultural symbols. These figures have redefined concepts such as heroism, desire, identity, and ambition across various eras.

Beyond reflecting the human vision of their time, these characters have contributed to transforming it, opening new avenues for understanding human experience and influencing generations of readers. Some, like Odysseus in the epic tradition or Don Quixote in the modern novel, are foundational to major literary transformations.

The program will commence on Tuesday, April 7, with the conference “Ulises y el dolor del regreso” (Ulysses and the Pain of Return), led by philosopher Higinio Marín Pedreño, rector of Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera. Marín will discuss Odysseus as a paradigm of the journey and the search for meaning.

On Tuesday, April 14, writer Luna Miguel will present “Las otras mujeres de Lolita” (Lolita's Other Women), a critical reading of Nabokov's work from a feminist perspective. The series continues on Tuesday, April 21, with “La figura universal de Fausto” (The Universal Figure of Faust), presented by philologist Helena Cortés, a specialist in classical Germanic literature and recipient of the National Translation Award.

The final session will take place on Monday, April 27, with “Los Quijotes de Cervantes ante el espejo de los libros de caballerías” (Cervantes' Quixotes Before the Mirror of Chivalric Romances), delivered by José Manuel Lucía Megías, professor of Romance Philology at Complutense University of Madrid and a renowned expert on Cervantes and Don Quixote.