The influence of Carolingian political initiatives and correctio in ninth-century Brittany and the march: a study of the hagiographical dossiers of saints Machutus, Maglorius and Melanius and their political and ecclesiastical contexts

Abstract

This study provides new analyses of three ninth-century hagiographical dossiers from north-eastern Brittany. It then analyses their implications for understanding Brittany and the march. Part I asks when and where each collection was written. Part II uses these collections to address a number of historical questions. The hagiographical dossiers are those of three bishops celebrated along Brittany’s north-eastern border and the march: Melanius of Rennes, Machutus of Alet and Maglorius of Dol. Each provides insight into foundations with interests in the Breton-Frankish frontier.

Chapter 1 confirms earlier conclusions about when and where Melanius’ Vita was written. Chapter 2 adds discussion and dating of two additional hagiographies: the Vita and Miracula Philiberti and the Vitae Marculphi. Chapter 3 reaches conclusions on the authorship of Machutus’ dossier that hint at broader changes within his cult. Chapter 4 rewrites earlier scholars’ conclusions on the authorship of Maglorius’ dossier and the stages in which it was written. Finally, chapter 5 briefly considers the dating of some further Breton hagiographies: the vitae Samsonis and the Vita Pauli Aureliani. Chapter 6 explores how the Bretons were seen from the easternmost parts of the march. It focuses largely on the Life of St Melanius of Rennes, the easternmost of the marcher sees and arguably the most vulnerable to Breton raids. Chapter 7 compares the surviving Breton episcopal hagiographies to assess the progress of correctio in Brittany over the later ninth century. Chapter 8 explores how Maglorius’ cult promoted Dol’s interests by rewriting Samson’s career in condensed form in the Vita Maglorii.