7. Beatrijs

The legend of the nun Beatrijs is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Middle Dutch literature. The story lies hidden in a collection of edifying-didactic texts, including De Dietsche Doctrinael and Jacob van Maerlant's Heimelicheit der Heimelicheden. The luxurious execution of the manuscript, the high quality of the vellum, the beautiful script, and the decoration - fairly unusual for Middle Dutch manuscripts - suggests that it was intended for a prominent lay person, or for a prospective nun as a present upon entering the convent.

The legend of Beatrijs, sacristan of her convent, tells the story of a nun who, overwhelmed by love, has herself abducted from the convent by a young man whom she had known from childhood. They live happily for seven years and have two children, but when money runs short, the young man deserts her. Beatrijs now has to provide for herself and her children as a ‘ghemeen wijf’, a woman of the streets. For seven years she manages to do so, faithfully praying to the Virgin Mary and reciting the Hours of the Virgin every day. Overcome by remorse she then sets out with her children, begging her way to the region of her former convent. On her arrival she is told that the sacristan is still at the convent, and in three successive visions she is urged to resume her former duties: for all those years the Virgin had been taking her place.

The legend of Beatrijs probably dates to the beginning of the thirteenth century, and has come down to us in many Western European languages. However, comparison with the other versions of the legend reveals the superiority of the Middle Dutch version and the genius of its creator. Due to its well-balanced structure, excellent choice of words, lively dialogue, and vivid descriptions of nature the legend has great literary value. In addition, the human element in the narrative and the considerable psychological understanding of the poet make it stand out from the other versions. The Middle Dutch version dates probably to the end of the thirteenth century. The manuscript in the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, the only one in which this legend has come down to us, is a later copy from about 1374.

Literature

• J. Deschamps. Middelnederlandse handschriften uit Europese en Amerikaanse bibliotheken. Leiden 1972, no. 20
• De verluchte handschriften en incunabelen van de Koninklijke Bibliotheek. 's-Gravenhage 1985, no. 365 
• Beatrijs: geschreven in de 2e helft van de 13e eeuw door een onbekend dichter. Zellik 1986     
• A.M. Duinhoven. De geschiedenis van Beatrijs. 2 dln. Utrecht 1989.