Un nouveau regard sur la trahison de Judas au XIIe siècle: Li Romanz de Dieu et de sa Mere d’Herman de Valenciennes
A New Point of View on Judas’ Betrayal in the 12th Century: Li Romanz de Dieu et de sa Mere by Herman de Valenciennes

Summary/Abstract: As far as we know, Li Romanz de Dieu et de sa Mere, written in the 12th century by Herman de Valenciennes, is the first abridged version of the Old French Bible. We believe that it is worth giving particular attention to the way Judas is represented here. Not only a biblical figure is interestingly turned into a literary figure, but new ideas on the fate of the character expressed in the text reveal a significant change in the interpretation of the biblical episode. Herman de Valenciennes builds Judas’ betrayal of Jesus on ambiguity that is entailed by hesitating on the demonization of the character, but also by the evolution and the hybridization of the literary devices. Judas’ treason, his repentance and suicide appear in a new light, which means reinterpreting the Scriptures and reviving the exegetical tradition.

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