Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—O

Othello

(in Shakespeare's tragedy so called). A Moor, commander of the Venetian army, who eloped with Desdemona. Brabantio accused him of necromancy, but Desdemona, being sent for, refuted the charge. The Moor, being then sent to drive the Turks from Cyprus, won a signal victory. On his return, Iago played upon his jealousy, and persuaded him that Desdemona intrigued with Cassio. He therefore murdered her, and then stabbed himself.

Othello the Moor.
Shakespeare borrowed this tale from the seventh of Giovanni Giraldi Cinthio's third decade of stories. Cinthio died 1573.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Othello's Occupation's Gone
Oswald's Well
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