Hagiographies, saints' lives, or vitae, are often taken as pure legend, but Dunstan's earthly existence, at any rate, is at least as well documented as that of any person who lived a thousand years ago. And even legends have something of enduring truth about them, since human nature hasn't changed much - only the truest stories last so long. The themes of this story translate all too well to our times! 

Stories of St Dunstan, 3: Magic and Malice, by Dr Eleanor Parker, A Clerk of Oxford blog

 

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