In the depths of our cultural history, the myth of the Queen of Sheba emerges as an enigma draped in opulence and mysterious wisdom. Rooted in sacred texts such as the Bible, the Koran and the Ethiopian Kebra Nagast, this spellbinding tale continues to fascinate and intertwine with legends and historical accounts. This joyful article will reveal how medieval authors wove the golden threads of this myth into the fabric of medieval literature, giving life to reinterpretations as rich as they are varied.
Introduction
The legendary origins of the myth of the Queen of Sheba
The biblical and Koranic story
- The shattering encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon is steeped in meaning in the Old Testament, immersing us in a tale of wisdom, enigma and magnificence.
- In the Koran, the Queen meets the Prophet Sulayman, offering the faithful an example of belief and conversion in the face of divine miracles.
- These accounts sketch the first outlines of a myth that, over time, will be enriched by countless cultures and languages.
The Kebra Nagast: a medieval Ethiopian source
- The Kebra Nagast reveals a fascinating Ethiopian version in which the queen becomes the mother of a royal lineage, lending a historical-spiritual dimension to the story.
- The descendants linked to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, most notably Menelik, forge a bridge between the legend and Ethiopian monarchical legitimacy.
Diffusion of the myth in medieval Christian literature
The myth in the medieval Christian West
- The Church Fathers meditated on the myth with fervor, discovering in the queen an example of purity and a symbol of human desire for divine wisdom.
- In the corners of cathedrals or in the margins of manuscripts, the Queen of Sheba embodies a certain idea of Christian royalty.
Medieval French literature and the Queen of Sheba
- From chansons de geste to "livres des merveilles", the Queen of Sheba sparkles like a beacon of knowledge and the art of speaking.
- These works, rich in detail and intrigue, illustrate the way in which medieval literature took delight in this age-old myth.
The figure of the Queen of Sheba in medieval art and iconography
- The Queen decorates stained glass windows, blossoms in illuminations and takes shape in stone sculptures, establishing herself as a muse of the medieval imagination.
- The analysis of these visual representations reveals a character in constant evolution, reflecting the values and questionings of an era.
The role of myth in medieval Arab-Muslim literature
The re-appropriation of myth in literature and scholarly texts
- In the crucible of Arab-Muslim knowledge, myth is melted and reforged, illuminating the narratives of the great dynasties and trifling with scholarly works.
- These narratives interweave ancient splendor with the religious authority of the Koran, giving new depth to the myth.
The Queen of Sheba in poetry and mystical narratives
- Imbued with Sufi spirituality, the Queen of Sheba becomes a symbol of the path to divine light.
- These mystical texts depict an inner quest for enlightenment, with the Queen serving as an exemplar of spiritual transformation.
The political resonance of the myth in the Middle Ages
The Queen of Sheba, model of the female sovereign
- By exploring this legendary figure, it is possible to discern the ideals and obstacles facing women in power in the Middle Ages.
- The Queen of Sheba, through literary meanderings, dialogues with other female royal figures, enriching our understanding of medieval female kingship.
Myth used to legitimize royal power
- The Salomonic descent present in the story of the Queen of Sheba serves as a pillar for the legitimization of power in royal lineages.
- Myth becomes a tool for asserting wisdom, authority and majesty, not only in Christian kingdoms, but also among Muslim dynasties.
Conclusion
At the end of this journey through medieval literature, we have revisited the many faces of the Queen of Sheba, from legendary queen to political icon. Her silhouette emerges in ancient texts and medieval epics as a powerful symbol of wisdom and authority. The legacy of the Queen of Sheba lives on, its echoes resonating far beyond manuscripts and stones, in the very complexion of our collective imagination.