Hierotopy, Jerusalem. And the Legend of the Wood of the Cross
Hierotopy, Jerusalem. And the Legend of the Wood of the Cross

Summary/Abstract: This article deals with the mythographic genesis of sacred topography, and does so in the methodological space between hierophany and hierotopy. The author presents three angles to detangle this matter: the definition of sacred space in the Legend of the Wood of the Cross, the figure of Seth in Christian tradition, and the impact of the Legend on medieval iconography. The western European Middle Ages have made use of an hierotopical ‘prehistory’ to shape their perception of Jerusalem and the holy places. The Legend of the Wood of the Cross looks back at the cross’ biology, its roots in paradise and its vigorous journey through the Holy Land up to its destination in the Jerusalem-centre.

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