Western Vernacular Mystics

This chapter explores deification in the writings of Western vernacular mystics. Although vernacular mysticism in the medieval West was never firmly delineated from Latin mysticism, it does constitute a new phase in the development of Western discussions of deification. Indeed, the sources are extensive. To illustrate the depth and complexity of this development, the chapter focuses on authors from within three vernaculars, all of whom make significant contributions to the theme of deification: Hadewijch and John of Ruusbroec (both writing in Middle Dutch), Marguerite Porete (writing in Picard/Old French), and Richard Rolle and Julian of Norwich (both writing in Middle English). Diverse geographically, all bear witness to the central importance of the theme of deification in the West into the Later Middle Ages.