Die Schlange im Epos De spiritalis historiae gestis des Avitus von Vienne – Werkzeug des Teufels oder rechte Hand Gottes?

Abstract This essay deals with the role of the serpent in the biblical epic called De spiritalis historiae gestis by Avitus of Vienne. It scrutinizes various passages that describe this animal in both zoological and typological terms. The analysis of these passages reveals that the work does not offer a uniform picture of the snake. Instead, Avitus’ representation of the snake varies according to his theological intentions with regard to the overall concept of the epic.