medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear Margaret,
There is an exemplum about a statue of Venus that comes to life. The
details escape me at the moment, as I read it long ago, but perhaps someone
else will recognize it and can correct or amplify my memory. I believe it
involves a young man who takes off his ring --- perhaps preparatory to
playing some kind of game? --- and places it on the hand of a statue of
Venus for safekeeping. Venus closes her palm and refuses to give it back;
later, Venus appears to the young man and claims to be his bride because he
gave her the ring. I think she may even keep him away from his intended
human bride for a while.
Sorry I can't be more specific about the details, but the ring given to
Venus motif does have an entry in Frederic Tubach, *Index Exemplorum: A
Handbook of Medieval Religious Tales.* (Helsinki, 1969), # 4101 & 4103.
This will lead you to several variants on the story, including (among others):
*An Alphabet of Tales: An English 15th Century translation of the
Alphabetum Narrationum of Etienne de Besancon* ed. M. Banks, EETS vols.
126-127; cf. tale numbered 730.
Also look in: *Catalogue of Romances in the Department of Manuscripts of
the British Museum* vol. III, ed. J. Herbert, (London, 1910).
Best,
Nancy Caciola
At 04:16 PM 7/30/01 -0400, you wrote:
>medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
>Thanks to all for suggestions regarding anchoresses etc. I now
>have lots to work on in this area! I also have another query,
>which actually originates with an acquaintance, but I thought the
>list might be able to help. Its for an interesting article on the
>influence of hagiography in scandinavian literature.
>the query: do you know of any medieval stories, miracles, whatever
>involving either an IDOL OR a STATUE OF A SAINT
>that speaks, moves, or walks? a pagan idol which "comes to life"
>would be perfect - has anyone heard of such a thing?
>If so, please send me bibliographic references that are as
>detailed as possible. I am writing from iceland, not south
>carolina, and will probably have to order anything i need
>on inter-library loan.
>thanks in advance,
>Margaret Cormack [log in to unmask]
>Dept. of Philosophy and Religion fax: 843-953-6388
>College of Charleston tel: 843-953-8033
>Charleston, SC 29424-0001
>
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