However, the most polished and complete is considered to be that included in the Inventario, a compilation by Antonio de Villegas printed in Medina del Campo in 1565.

The novel takes place in the 15th century, when Castile and the Emirate of Granada were competing for supremacy over southern Spain.

It shows how its characters, the Moor Abindarráez and the Christian Rodrigo de Narváez, can live in harmony despite their religious differences.

We meet Rodrigo de Narváez, a knight whose heroic feats in the war against the Moors had him appointed governor of the Málaga towns Álora and Antequera.

The children formed a close bond and, when they eventually learned that they were not related, fell in love.

When the king of Granada moved the governor to Coín, leaving the youths behind, Jarifa confessed her love to Abindarráez.

When the newlyweds arrive at Álora, Rodrigo de Narváez gives them food and a room, and treats Abindarráez's wounds.

Abindarráez asks Narváez for help solving his troubles; Narváez writes to the king of Granada, promising that he will pay his prisoners' ransom as long as the king makes Jarifa's father pardon them for marrying without his consent.

There Abindarráez sends his gratitude and respect to Narváez, as well as six thousand gold coins,[2] four horses, four lances with golden hilts and tips, and four shields.

The Abencerraje is striking for extending chivalry to the Moorish character: Abindarráez displays great loyalty and valour fighting for his lady, and honesty in returning to Rodrigo de Narváez.