medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Essentially the same story, but with a bear instead of a wolf (and no acolyte), is told in the ninth-century Vita of St. Marinus of San Marino (a.k.a. St. Marinus the Dalmatian).
Best,
John Dillon
On Thursday, March 1, 2007, at 4:27 am, Brenda Cook wrote;
> One of my favourites is the Breton Saint Herve'. (Mind you I probably
> like him becuase one of my grandparents was a Harvey from Cornwall and
> the link between Brittany & Cornwall is close.) So perhaps he is a
> (collateral) anscestor! This is my remembered version
>
> Saint Herve' and an acolyte were returning home from a pilgrimage to
> Rome with a mule loaded with books. The acolyte became tired and as it
> was approaching midday, they paused for rest, un-harnessed the mule
> and the indefatigable saint set off on foot for the neighbouring
> village to buy - or beg - for some food. While he was away the acolyte
> fell asleep and while he was asleep, a wolf came up and made ITS
> dinner on the mule. When the saint got back, the acolyte was still
> asleep and the satisfied wolf was licking the bones. The acolyte woke,
> horrified at what had happened but Herve' (naturally) was equal to the
> occasion.
>
> He addressed the wolf as follows: Brother Wolf, you were following
> your God-given nature when you ate my mule, so you have not sinned but
> you must pay for your dinner. I shall put the mule's harness on you,
> and you shall be my beast of burden and carry my books for me.
>
> And so it was, the saint harnessed the wolf, loaded him and they
> completed their journey to the saint's home town. All the townsfolk
> came out amazed when they saw the wolf acting as a beast of burden and
> knew that Herve' was indeed a saint. And Herve' unloaded his books,
> unharnessed the wolf and let it go with his blessing.
>
> (I believe this story is told of other Celtic saints, but Herve' is
> the one I know.)
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|