Pampinea

Pampinea, the eldest of the seven lady narrators at twenty-seven years of age, is the natural leader among them. In Italian her name means "la rigogliosa" which could be translated as "the flourishing one." It was her suggestion for the group to move to the countryside and her initiative that brought the three men into their plans. In return, she was made Queen of the first day.

It is interesting to note that the final three stories of Pampinea (from day eight through ten) are placed seventh. Three is a holy number reflecting the trinity, and seven had its own particular connotation of being auspicious (see numerology). Seven are the women on the Decameron, thus perhaps also re-emphasizing Pampinea's prominent role as their leader.

(A. K.)