The story of Saint Francis and the wolf of Gubbio, recorded in The Little Flowers, illustrates themes important to 14th-century Franciscans, like dialogue, forgiveness, and the critique of material wealth. Instead of slaying the wolf, Francis speaks to it, embodying a benevolent approach. The tale reflects a spiritual idealization of Francis, created a century after his death, emphasizing the contrast between the safety of urban life and the dangers of the surrounding wilderness and how these concepts were perceived at that time.
This encounter between Saint Francis and the wolf in Gubbio exemplifies the saint's capacity for dialogue and forgiveness, contrasting with the fearful response of the villagers.
Despite its distance from reliable history, The Little Flowers captures the spiritual crises of the 14th century, blending oral traditions with the more idealized attributes of Saint Francis.
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