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.



edited and translated by Jerry Root



List of Illustrations



Introduction



Ubiquity



Overview of the Story



Author



Texts



Cultural Context



Key Words



Images



Text and Translation



Guatier de Coinci, Comment Theophilus vint a penitence



Gautier de Coinci, "How Theophilus Came to Penitence"