
Contents
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The Apocryphal Saint’s Vita The Apocryphal Saint’s Vita
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Gregorius Gregorius
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An Epitome of the Gregorius-Narrative An Epitome of the Gregorius-Narrative
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Analogues and Possible Sources Analogues and Possible Sources
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The Extant Texts The Extant Texts
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Other Incestuous Saints Other Incestuous Saints
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Judas Judas
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Incest in other Medieval Literary Works Incest in other Medieval Literary Works
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Adam and Eve Adam and Eve
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Further Biblical Parallels Further Biblical Parallels
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The Importance of the Narrative The Importance of the Narrative
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Cite
Abstract
The chapter introduces the unusual but extremely widely disseminated medieval literary narrative of Gregorius, son of a brother and sister, who later marries his mother, does an extensive penance, and becomes pope. The difference between this exemplary story and the tragic-prophetic one of Oedipus is stressed. The gods cannot be defied, but human propensity to sin can be coped with. The range of texts is presented, from the earliest medieval French poems to modern versions and folktales from Ireland to Egypt. Possible sources, influences, and analogues are considered, including the Bible (especially Adam and Eve), history, and other apocryphal saints’ lives. The concept of literary hagiography is examined, as is the function of the story in the context of original and actual sin.
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