Adomnán, Columba, and John:A structural examination of Adomnán’s Vita Sancti Columbae

Abstract

Examinations of Adomnán’s Vita Sancti Columbae have identified dependencies on Sulpicius’ Vita Martini, Gregory’s Dialogi, Evagrius’ Vita Antonii and others, the majority of scholars emphasizing its roots in Hellenistic aretalogy with episodes categorized per species. To date none have identified structural dependency on any part of the Bible. This paper will examine parallels between the Fourth Gospel and the Vita Columbae, arguing that while verbatim dependence may be limited, there is ample evidence of imitation in the form of structural patterning. Significant parallels include organization of the gospel narrative into Prologue – Book of Signs – Book of Glory – Epilogue. Adomnán’s division of his text into a Book of Prophecies followed by a Book of Miracles and a Book of Visions may be seen as imitative of the gospel structure, beginning with a prologue identifying the saint’s holy origin, and concluding with a death narrative which emphasizes signs of divine ‘glory’. Parallels with the Fourth Gospel magnify appreciation for the scope of the Life and suggest implications for the significance of this gospel in the life of the Columban monastic community.