"Bons Mariniers” between History and Prophecy. Venice, Venetians, and the Mediterranean Sea in the 'Prophecies de Merlin'

In the medieval French prose romance, Prophecies de Merlin, King Arthur's magician and prophet, Merlin, enunciates predictions, many of which describe the Good Seamen (Bons Mariniers) as actors in a providential plan that will favor them throughout their ventures. Although expressed in the typical language of medieval prophecy, the text provides unequivocal elements for glimpsing, behind the profile of the Good Seamen, a reflection of the Venetians. Through his prophecies, which are scattered throughout the text, Merlin traces the historical trajectory of the Venetians, chronicling their progress from the foundation of Venice to their dominion over the Eastern Mediterranean during the thirteenth century. The philological study of Merlin's prophecy analyzes this powerful tool for promoting the history of Venice and narrating its past. Thus, the enigmatic figure of the court magician and Arthurian prophet contributes a historical account of Venice that exalts its history, justifies and nourishes its pride, and attempts to direct its policy of territorial and maritime supremacy.