I figli a cui viene chiesto di nascere.

I “fillus de anima” tra pratica sociale, storia e letteratura.

Abstract

Starting from the concept of "fille 'e anima" (soul child) and the analysis of the various foster care practices derived from the tradition and custom of Roman law, the first part of the article deals with the evolution of foster care in Sardinia's Medieval and Modern Age history. The second part of the study focuses on highlighting how this practice has been a source of inspiration in literature not only in Sardinia but throughout Italy, with analysis of the protagonists in three famous novels: Grazia Deledda's Edera, Michela Murgia's Accabadora and Sebastiano Vassalli's Chimera.