Early Medieval Perceptions of Saint Michael the Archangel as Developed From Hermes
Guardado en:
| Publicado en: | ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (2025) |
|---|---|
| Autor principal: | |
| Publicado: |
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
|
| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | Citation/Abstract Full Text - PDF |
| Etiquetas: |
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
|
| Resumen: | As paganism fell and Christianity took its place, elements of paganism began to be adapted into Christian forms. One such example of this appropriation is of the Greek god Hermes, whose functions were assimilated into those of Saint Michael the Archangel. Though the two have been studied separately in depth, there is a lack of research studying them together as analogous figures. This thesis undertakes study of Michael as a Christian saint whose functions grew and developed from those of Hermes, comparing and analyzing them through textual sources, physical objects, and iconography, focusing on their primary roles as psychopomps and protectors. I study the Greek and Roman origins of Christian elements pertaining to Michael, as well as to their broader categories of “angel” and “god.” I focus on ancient Greek perceptions of Hermes and medieval perceptions of Michael, primarily centered in the early Middle Ages. In this study, I argue not only that Michael was developed from Hermes, but also that, as Michael’s identity and function developed from an autonomous divinity, Michael’s own cult status elevated him to a point that he complicated the contemporary idea of a monotheistic Christianity. |
|---|---|
| ISBN: | 9798314881996 |
| Fuente: | ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global |