Constructions of sanctity and the Anglo-Saxon missions to the Continent (690-900).
James T. Palmer
This thesis explores the literary strategies used by hagiographers in eighth and
ninth centuries to establish as saintly careers of those involved so-called
'Anglo-Saxon missions continent' (c. 690 - c. 789). It offers a fundamental
reassessment relationship between 'missions' and Carolingian vitae that
commemorated them, one that is based upon new studies ways which the
texts were shaped their political cultural contexts, consequently the
authors' intentions. The structured thematically around hagiographical
representations often fictitious bonds saints particular places.
In first chapter I examine saints' Lives reinterpreted why
missionaries left Britain, order make appeal Irish- or Benedictineinfluenced
audiences. next two chapters consider how monastic centres (for
example Monte Cassino Italy) papacy Rome contributed image of
the saint person spiritual earthly authority~ particular, relation ofthe
vitae ninth century ecclesiastical Benedictine reforms considered.
Chapter four detail Hygeburg's Vita Willibaldi et Wynnebaldi, argues
that her account Willi bald's pilgrimage Holy Land should be seen within the
exegetical liturgical contexts ofEichsUitt Bavaria, where it was written down.
In final portrayed the
transformation German Frisian physical landscapes through
the missionary work church building like Boniface~ argued that,
since most evidence for these activities either spurious contradictory, the
reputation Anglo-Saxon establishing 'foundations Christian
Europe' largely product responses range problems faced by
communities east Rhine 754 888. concludes with a
discussion factors accounts missions, and
outlines potential aspects hagiography are in
need further study re-evaluation.