The worm and the corpse: Carolingian visions of Gehenna’s undead cemetery
Matthew Bryan Gillis
This essay investigates Carolingian religious horror in the form of theological speculations about Gehenna as an undead cemetery for reprobates, whose living corpses suffered from hellfire and spontaneously generating worms. After illustrating that such was a spiritual way seeing sin’s corrupting powers, examination turns to role baptism played curing souls bodies rotten wounds. The study then surveys range eighth- ninth-century theologians’ interpretations Gehenna’s uncanny worms, including their creative reception earlier, Patristic thought doctrine. Finally, considers worms predestination controversy, which intellectuals disputed corporeal nature horrors. Overall, this reveals how crafted correct Christians by revealing strange powers not only corrupt wicked, but also punish them forever hell.
Journal of Medieval History