The Miracle of Theophilus by Gautier de Coinci

Theophilus is a medieval miracle story that tells the tale of a good man who sells his soul to the Devil and is saved by the Virgin. Gautier de Coinci's longest version of the legend is translated into English and includes vivid details about the medieval fear of hell and the Devil.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

The legend of Theophilus is a widely disseminated medieval miracle story. A good man gives in to Vain Glory, sells his soul to the Devil, has a terrible crisis of conscience, and is saved by the Virgin. The story is translated into most European languages and appears in stained glass, sculpture, and manuscripts. Gautier de Coinci writes the longest version of the legend; its colorful details reveal the medieval period's deep fear of hell and the Devil and its high hopes in the Virgin and the Church.

Gautier de Coinci (1177–1236) was a French abbot and musical arranger, chiefly known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary. This is the first English translation of Gautier de Coinci's pre-Faustian version of the legend of Theophilus. It is presented in a facing-page translation with the original Old French, along with a full introduction and notes.

Theophilus was a good man who lived in the Middle Ages. He was very proud of himself and often boasted about his accomplishments. One day, he met the Devil, who offered to give him all the glory and power he could ever want in exchange for his soul. Theophilus was tempted by the offer and agreed to sell his soul to the Devil.

The Devil was pleased with his new acquisition and gave Theophilus all the glory and power he had promised. Theophilus became famous and wealthy, and everyone admired him. However, Theophilus soon began to feel guilty about his deal with the Devil. He realized that he had sold his soul to the Devil and that he was now bound to him for all eternity.

Theophilus had a terrible crisis of conscience and decided to seek help from the Virgin Mary. He went to her and begged for her forgiveness. The Virgin was touched by Theophilus's repentance and forgave him. She also promised to help him escape from the Devil's grasp.

The Virgin sent an angel to Theophilus, who took him to a secret place where he could be safe from the Devil. Theophilus was grateful to the Virgin for her help and promised to never sell his soul to the Devil again. He also became a devout follower of the Virgin Mary and spent the rest of his life spreading her teachings.

The legend of Theophilus is a powerful reminder of the dangers of Vain Glory and the importance of seeking forgiveness from God. It also shows the Virgin Mary's love and mercy towards those who are willing to repent and turn their lives around. The story has been translated into most European languages and appears in stained glass, sculpture, and manuscripts. Gautier de Coinci's version of the legend is the longest and most detailed, and it reveals the medieval period's deep fear of hell and the Devil and its high hopes in the Virgin and the Church.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580445337