Le Jeu de Saint Nicolas

work by Bodel

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Article History

Le Jeu de Saint Nicolas, miracle play by Jehan Bodel, performed in 1201. Le Jeu de Saint Nicolas treats a theme earlier presented in Latin, notably by Hilarius (flourished 1125), giving it new form and meaning by relating it to the Crusades. In Bodel’s play the saint’s image, to which the sole survivor of a Christian army is found praying, becomes the agent of a miracle that causes the Saracen king and his people to convert to Christianity.

The play is notable for its crusading fervour, piety, and satirical wit. It is also of importance for its introduction of comic scenes based on contemporary life and as one of the first Latin school dramas to be translated into the vernacular.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.