This thesis investigates the way in which the thirteenth-century Cistercian Alberic of Trois-Fontaines dealt with manifestations of the supernatural in his universal chronicle. Firstly, both...Show moreThis thesis investigates the way in which the thirteenth-century Cistercian Alberic of Trois-Fontaines dealt with manifestations of the supernatural in his universal chronicle. Firstly, both quantitative and qualitative research on all entries dealing with the supernatural, as well as a comparison to Helinand of Froidmont’s chronicle, show that his work is characterised by a consistently critical attitude towards his sources and a striking passion for chronology, truth, and historical knowledge. Alberic was not a credulous lover of fanciful miracle stories; he was a diligent scholar who took pride in his skills as a historian. Secondly, a case-study on entries dealing with demonic activity highlights Alberic’s exceptional interest in this type of supernatural event. These entries reveal a strong anxiety about heresies (which were intrinsically connected to the demonic) and especially the possibility of clergymen and monastics falling prey to both heresy and demonic possession. In some entries, even demons prove more orthodox and morally sound than certain Christians. A desperate desire for clarity and knowledge, including that which could be obtained from demons, is a subtly recurring theme. The chronicle thus reveals the very fine line between strong abhorrence of heresy on the one hand, and Alberic’s own insatiable – but potentially soul-endangering – thirst for knowledge on the other hand.Show less