General Introduction

This introductory chapter examines twelfth-century accounts of Marian miracles in France, highlighting the spiritual, social, and cultural dynamics of the period. It focuses on five collections by Herman of Tournai, Hugh Farsit, Abbot Haimo, John, son of Peter, and Gautier of Compiègne, who record miraculous events ranging from healings to divine interventions, often tied to relics and Marian shrines. These accounts reveal medieval beliefs, the role of faith in healing, and the interplay between laypeople and clergy during an era marked by religious renewal and reconstruction. The chapter connects Marian veneration to the emergence of affective piety, emphasizing its significance in shaping devotion and cultural practices. Finally, the chapter underscores the historical and literary impact of these collections, which shaped medieval views of sanctity and divine action.