I know that Anglo-Saxon tradition often allowed for the salvation of
pre-Christian figures. You might take a look at some of the Anglo-Saxon
poetry; the descent is a popular theme--S.A.J. Bradley's translation for
Everyman includes all the surviving works, I believe. I would check, but I'm
at the office, and it's at home.
Ron Ganze
[log in to unmask] wrote:
> Somewhat following on the recent discussion on the Harrowing of Hell, I'd
> like to pose a few questions to the list.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the question of the salvation
> of pagans? Does any Medieval author suggest that the Descent into Hell
> saved anyone other than the patriarchs? Or the possibility that
> Revelation was extended back in time before the Incarnation? I have become
> interested in this through a legend of the baptism and conversion of Ovid.
> I am also (somewhat) aware of legends surrounding Virgil, Trajan, and of
> course of Dante's pilgrim's visit to the poets in the Inferno.
> Fourth Lateran says that no one outside the church is saved, but a
> more popular/legendary and scattered tradition seems to either hold out
> more hope for various virtuous pagans, or at least sympathy for their
> plight.
>
> I would be most grateful for any comments or bibliographic references.
>
> Jess Paehlke
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|