Icon of the Archangel Michael, late 10th–first half of 11th century, silver-gilt, gold cloisonné enamel, stones, pearls (now missing), glass, 44 x 36 cm, likely made in Constantinople (Treasury of the Basilica of San Marco, Venice)
Dear Reader:
Please join us for a 12 week study during the Michaelmas Season 2023. We will turn to legends about St. Michael which take us back in time and to different phases of the development of the consciousness of humanity. St. Michael is being portrayed in these legends in different ways and with differing task. Please feel free and encouraged to join the conversation by posting in the comments section (see below).
With greetings and the hope for courage for the Michaelmas Season 2023 --- Conrad Rehbach
Study Material for the Michaelmas Study 2023 (Week 9)
Michael According to the Conceptions of Simple Folk
The following stories show that also simple people like peasants and miners thought about Michael.
Why the Sole of Man's Foot Is Not Even
When the devils had rebelled against God and fled to earth, they also took the sun with them. The Emperor of the devils had stuck it on a lance, which he carried on his shoulder. But the earth complained that it was being burned up by the sun. Then God sent the Holy Archangel Michael to take the sun away from the devil in some way. The Holy Archangel came down to earth and became a friend of the Emperor of the devils. But the Emperor knew that something was in the wind and was on his guard. Once on a time, when both were strolling around on earth, they came to the ocean. Here they proceeded to take a bath, and the devil thrust the lance with the sun in the ground. After they had bathed for a while, the Holy Archangel said: "Now let us dive and see who goes down deeper."
The devil answered: "Well and good!" Thereupon St. Michael dove down and, between his teeth, brought up sand from the bottom. Now it was the devil's turn. But he was afraid that, while he was gone, the Archangel might steal the sun. He spit on the ground, and out of his spittle a magpie was formed, which was to guard the sun until the devil had brought up sand from the bottom of the ocean. As soon as the devil disappeared in the water, St. Michael made the sign of the Cross with his hand. And immediately the ocean was covered with ice that was nine ells thick. Then he seized the sun and fled up to Heaven. But the magpie croaked as loud as she could. When the devil heard the magpie's voice, he felt that something was wrong and returned as quickly as possible.
But, when he came to the surface, the ocean was frozen and he could not get out. Hurriedly, he returned to the bottom, picked up a stone, broke the ice therewith, and pursued the astute Archangel. Michael had already one foot in Heaven, when the devil grasped his other foot and, with his claws, tore out a large piece of flesh from the sole. Wounded, St. Michael appeared before the Lord and handed Him the sun. Weeping and lamenting he said: "See, Oh Lord, how disfigured I am!"
Then spake the Lord: "Do not grieve! Henceforth all men shall have an uneven sole!" And thus has it remained.
The devil answered: "Well and good!" Thereupon St. Michael dove down and, between his teeth, brought up sand from the bottom. Now it was the devil's turn. But he was afraid that, while he was gone, the Archangel might steal the sun. He spit on the ground, and out of his spittle a magpie was formed, which was to guard the sun until the devil had brought up sand from the bottom of the ocean. As soon as the devil disappeared in the water, St. Michael made the sign of the Cross with his hand. And immediately the ocean was covered with ice that was nine ells thick. Then he seized the sun and fled up to Heaven. But the magpie croaked as loud as she could. When the devil heard the magpie's voice, he felt that something was wrong and returned as quickly as possible.
But, when he came to the surface, the ocean was frozen and he could not get out. Hurriedly, he returned to the bottom, picked up a stone, broke the ice therewith, and pursued the astute Archangel. Michael had already one foot in Heaven, when the devil grasped his other foot and, with his claws, tore out a large piece of flesh from the sole. Wounded, St. Michael appeared before the Lord and handed Him the sun. Weeping and lamenting he said: "See, Oh Lord, how disfigured I am!"
Then spake the Lord: "Do not grieve! Henceforth all men shall have an uneven sole!" And thus has it remained.