Tradition and Revision. The textual tradition of Hincmar of Reims' Visio Bernoldi. With a new critical edition
Maaike van der Lugt
The Visio Bernoldi is part of a group so-called, “political visions” from the Carolingian period. It reports journey to other world, during near fatal illness, certain Bernold. Various people – among them Charles Bald all suffering for their sins, begged Bernold that on his return mortal world he ask dependents and friends prayers, alms masses. Circulated commented by Hincmar Reims, text conspiculously serves archbishop's interests. This article considers complex textual tradition this short but fascinating text, offers its first critical edition. circulated in three versions, called here A, B C. C an abridged, partial paraphrase integrated into Flodoard's History Church Reims (953). Flodoard used as historical document provide divine justification political fate Ebo Bald. Version argued here, closest original letter, while (only partially extant) can be understood conscious revision improve rustic cumbersome Latin text. also proposes in-debth study extant lost manuscripts (Paris, BNF, lat. 5327, Brussels, Bibliotheque Royale 4087-4100, Paris, nouv. acq. 469, fr. 17698I, d'Herivaux (lost), de Saint-Benigne Dijon (lost)).
Archivum Latinitatis Medii Aevi|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)