Pope Sylvester II, a fascinating figure bridging the 10th and 11th centuries, remains shrouded in legend and speculation. One of the most intriguing narratives surrounding this scholarly pope involves his alleged relationship with a succubus named Meridiana. This article delves into the legend of Meridiana, exploring her portrayal as both lover and advisor to Sylvester II, and examines a poem by Joseph S. Salemi that vividly brings this controversial historical footnote to life.
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The Legend of Meridiana
Born Gerbert of Aurillac, Sylvester II was known for his intellectual prowess, contributing significantly to mathematics, astronomy, and music. However, whispers followed him, attributing his remarkable achievements to demonic assistance, specifically a succubus named Meridiana. Walter Map’s 12th-century work, De Nugis Curialium, provides one of the earliest accounts of this alleged relationship, portraying Meridiana not only as a lover but also as a powerful counselor influencing Sylvester’s political and religious decisions.
Salemi’s Poetic Interpretation: “Pope Sylvester II and Meridiana”
Joseph S. Salemi’s poem, “Pope Sylvester II and Meridiana,” offers a dramatic monologue that embodies the complex and controversial nature of this historical legend. The poem opens with Sylvester describing Meridiana’s nocturnal visits, highlighting the paradoxical intimacy and distance within their relationship:
She comes to me not every night, but when
The rainfall patters on the gabled roof.
She slips between the sheets, and in a flash
I find myself atop her yielding limbs.
Despite the physical closeness, Sylvester struggles to define Meridiana’s appearance, further emphasizing the enigmatic nature of their bond.
The poem proceeds to portray Meridiana as both a source of immense pleasure and a demanding force:
My pleasure’s so intense it borders pain—
The ecstasy might be a kind of hell,
A penitential act of intercourse
Taken from me like a hated tax:
The grim exaction of Meridiana.
This duality reflects the conflicting interpretations of succubi in folklore, often depicted as seductive yet dangerous beings.
Power, Knowledge, and the Devil’s Bargain
Salemi’s poem then connects Meridiana to Sylvester’s worldly success, suggesting she facilitated his rise through the ecclesiastical ranks and influenced his intellectual pursuits:
Until she came to me I had no luck
In worldly matters, or in my career.
I owed her all my posts: the bishoprics
Of Rheims, Ravenna, and my friendship with
Three German emperors and the lords of France.
This resonates with the historical anxieties surrounding Sylvester II’s advanced knowledge, perceived by some as suspiciously beyond the realm of human attainment.
Beyond the Grave: A Chilling Conclusion
The poem’s concluding stanza takes a decidedly macabre turn. Sylvester, speaking from beyond the grave, implies that his relationship with Meridiana persists even in death:
And now here in this tomb she rests with me:
Still my bed-wench in the foetid dark…
This chilling image cements the poem’s unsettling exploration of desire, ambition, and the potential consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge.
The Enduring Allure of the Succubus Meridiana
The legend of Succubus Meridiana serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fascination with the intersection of the sacred and the profane. Salemi’s poem masterfully captures the ambiguity and intrigue of this historical narrative, leaving the reader to ponder the complex relationship between power, knowledge, and the allure of the demonic. The rattling bones and sweating sarcophagus of Sylvester II, as described in the poem, serve as a potent symbol of the unresolved tensions within this enduring legend.