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Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia: Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature 22

Ira Cox

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Published in Dante And The Mystical Tradition: Bernard Of Clairvaux In The Commedia (Cambridge Studies In Medieval Literature 22)

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Bernard of Clairvaux was a Cistercian monk who lived in the 12th century. He was a prolific writer and preacher, and his works had a profound influence on the development of Western Christianity. Dante Alighieri, the author of the Divine Comedy, was one of Bernard's most devoted readers. In the Commedia, Dante places Bernard in the highest circle of Paradise, where he is surrounded by the other great saints of the Christian Church.

Dante and the Mystical Tradition: Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature 22)

Dante and the Mystical Tradition: Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature Book 22)

by Steven Botterill

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40750 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	284 pages

Bernard's Life and Work

Bernard was born in Fontaines, France, in 1090. He was the son of a knight, and he was destined for a career in the military. However, at the age of 22, Bernard had a profound religious experience that led him to abandon his worldly life and join the Cistercian Order. Bernard quickly rose through the ranks of the Cistercians, and he soon became one of the most influential monks in the order. He founded several new monasteries, and he wrote extensively on monasticism and spirituality. Bernard's writings were widely read and admired, and they had a profound influence on the development of Western Christianity.

Bernard and Dante

Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy, in 1265. He was a poet, philosopher, and politician. Dante is best known for his epic poem the Divine Comedy, which tells the story of his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Dante was a devout Catholic, and he was deeply influenced by the writings of Bernard of Clairvaux. In the Divine Comedy, Dante places Bernard in the highest circle of Paradise, where he is surrounded by the other great saints of the Christian Church. Dante's placement of Bernard in Paradise is a testament to his admiration for Bernard's holiness and wisdom.

Bernard's Significance

Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity. His writings and preaching helped to shape the development of Western Christianity, and he inspired countless people to live a life of holiness. Dante Alighieri's placement of Bernard in the highest circle of Paradise is a testament to Bernard's significance and his enduring legacy.

Dante and the Mystical Tradition: Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature Book 22)

by Steven Botterill

5 out of 5