Tradition of Ovid's «Heroides» and its role in creating of Spanish sentimental novel of XV century

The article is focused upon the tradition of Ovid's «Heroides» and its adaptation and translation in Juan Rodríguez del Padrón's «Bursario» (1434). The investigation is concentrated upon three «fictional» epistles (written by Padrón) that are ascribed to Ovid himself. Spanish author tried to imitate ancient writer's style, themes and as a result composed his own «cartas». The analysis of these letters leads to the conclusion that starting with simple translation, then adopting already known and popular stories Padrón succeeded in creating an absolutely new form and genre in Spanish artistic prose. This was sentimental novel including letters as its one of the most important elements.