La vision spirituelle dans l’espace corporel et le pouvoir performatif du langage dans la biographie mystique de Christina de Hane

Abstract

Medieval mystical texts are concerned with authenticating the stories they contain. Especially when they are written in a hagiographical tone, validating the ineffable through language becomes essential for the proof of sanctity. The retelling of mystical moments evolving in a visionary space reserved to the mystic, poses particular challenges for the mystical account which is read in a collective environment. The mystical Life of Christina of Hane serves as a case study for illustrating the relationship between the personal realm of the visionary and the communal physical space. Mapping between inner and outer perceptions as experienced by the Premonstratensian nun, the mystical text establishes analogies which translate non-figurative concepts – such as the mystical rapture – into corporeal manifestations. Despite claims to its apophatic nature, language plays a key role in the communication of the mystical moment: figures featuring in Christina’s visions perform speech acts, which bridge the gap between the visionary and the corporeal.