The Reception of Heidi in the Spanish Press: Intermediality and Transformation

Abstract

Heidi, a cultural icon born from the novel published between 1880 and 1881 by the Swiss writer Johanna Spyri, was first translated into Spanish between 1928 and 1929. The success of the work led to the publication of reissues, new translations, and audiovisual and theatrical adaptations. The reception of the work translated from German into Spanish in the Spanish press has been studied in three periods: between 1928 and 1932, with the first translation; between 1953 and 1975, with the release of the film adaptations; and, from 1975 onwards, with the broadcast of the Japanese anime series. In conclusion, we can see three distinct moments: from the first reception in terms of tenderness, we move on to more adult visions that reflect the complexity of society. In this process of resignification, intermediality and reception have shaped the original work into the contemporary phenomenon of Heidi.