Dapple

Also known as: Sancho's ass / Sancho’s ass / an ass / ass / beast / dapple-grey steed / grey ass / his ass / his old Dapple / little beast / my Dapple / my ass / the ass / the grey · Family: — · Role: Sancho Panza's ass · First appears: Part 1, Ch. 7.2

In Part 1, Ch. 7, Sancho Panza planned to take Dapple with him because he did not want to travel on foot. Sancho cared for him alongside Rocinante, led him by the halter, and called him “his constant comrade in prosperity or adversity.” After Don Quixote granted permission in Ch. 21, Sancho changed Dapple’s trappings; the same chapter connected Dapple with Martino’s deserted ass. In Ch. 23, Ginés de Pasamonte stole Dapple while Sancho slept, but in Ch. 30 Sancho recognized the disguised Ginés riding him and recovered him.

In Part 2, Dapple shared a strong friendship with Rocinante. During the festival preparations, a costumed performer seized and drove him toward the village, but Dapple escaped and came back to Sancho Panza. The duke and the duchess promised to care for him, with the duke saying, “Dapple shall be fed to his heart’s content,” and the duchess placing his treatment in her charge. Later, Dapple and Sancho fell into a deep pit; Sancho widened the opening so Dapple could enter the cavern, then helped him stand and gave him bread. At Barcelona, a boys’ prank caused Dapple and Rocinante to throw their riders to the ground. In the final return home, Teresa Panza’s daughter led Dapple while the family made for their house.