Żywot świętego Awita, biskupa Vienne w świetle jego korespondencji

Abstract

Anonymous Life of Saint Avitus, the Bishop Vienne is an interesting example of a medieval hagiographic work. The article takes up the topic of the relationship between the presented work and the epistolary legacy of its main protagonist. Life of Saint Avitus, however, is rather a cursory presentation of the life of the bishop of Vienne, and it is not precise in quoting his literary work. It relies mainly on the life of his brother Bishop Apolinar, focusing on the controversy with King Sigismund and the miracles performed by Apolinar. Admittedly, in Avitus correspondence, the confirmation of many facts mentioned in The Life of Saint Avitus can be found, nevertheless the purpose of its author was clearly marked – to show and justify the sanctity of the Bishop of Vienne. The article is supplemented with the first Polish translation of The Life of Avitus of Vienne (Żywot Awita z Vienne).