Légendes à la base de pèlerinages

Abstract

Pilgrims flock to shrines of popular saints, drawn by legendary tales rather than historical facts. These stories, often fictionalized to resonate with pilgrims, form the foundation of these holy sites. The article explores Saint George, with his contrasting legends of slaying a dragon and enduring torture, as a prime example of legend formation. It further delves into the Virgin of San Damiano, ‘Âisha al-Mannûbiyya, and Cheikh Sha‘rawi, representing Christian and Muslim figures, both ancient and modern. These diverse examples highlight the universality of legend creation, catering to the expectations of devotees regardless of religion or time period. The article emphasizes the power of legends in shaping faith, transcending boundaries of history and religion.