Ermellina Palermi Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Emilia’s third tale (III, 7), Ermellina Palermi is the wife of Aldobrando Palermi and the former lover of Tedaldo degli Elisi. She breaks off the affair when a friar warns her it will condemn her to hell, although she still loves Tedaldo. She repents and happily resumes the relationship when Tedaldo returns as if from the dead. The two demonstrate how worthy lovers behave towards each other—with fidelity and honesty.

Ermellina Palermi Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Ermellina Palermi appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...the next narrator, tells the story of Tedaldo degli Elisei, who has an affair with Ermellina, the wife of Aldobrandino Palermini. But one day, fortune decrees herself Tedaldo’s enemy, and Ermellina... (full context)

But when Tedaldo hears a song that he composed for Ermellina, he remembers his undaunted love for her and decides to return to Florence disguised as... (full context)

The next day, Tedaldo (still disguised as a pilgrim) presents himself to Ermellina, claiming to have been sent by God to set things right. He proves his prophetic... (full context)

Ermellina reveals that she mentioned the affair in confession, for which she was warned that she... (full context)

...is a “natural sin,” but theft and attempted murder can only proceed from “evil intentions.” Ermellina robbed Tedaldo of her love, and because this cruelty nearly killed him, she’s also guilty... (full context)

...than undergo torture. Tedaldo, assured that Aldobrandino will be released in the morning, returns to Ermellina, gives her the good news, and spends the night with her. (full context)

When Aldobrandino is released, he and Ermellina invite the “pilgrim” (Tedaldo) to stay with them. When Tedaldo hears that his brothers are... (full context)