The Long Journey of the Magi: Re-assessing ‘Liturgical Drama’ for Epiphany from Nevers

Abstract

Scholars have long been puzzled by the ‘liturgical drama’ representing the journey of the magi in the manuscript Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Nouv. acq. lat. 1235; many analyses have interpreted the confusing aspects of the material as scribal errors. Through a close reading of the material, this paper argues that it is possible — and even reasonable — to understand all details of the scribal work as accurate and valid. Doing so offers a broader understanding of how such biblical narratives and representations were incorporated into the liturgical practices of Nevers.