The Ars traducendi of Hilduin of St. Denis

Abstract

Hilduin of St. Denis (ca. 785–855) stands as a pivotal figure in the early Carolingian Renaissance, bridging linguistic and cultural divides between Greek theological thought and the Latin-speaking West. His translation of the Corpus Dionysiacum, attributed to Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, exemplifies the challenges of rendering complex Greek theological concepts into Latin. Often criticized for its density, neologisms, and occasional obscurity, Hilduin's work nonetheless played a critical role in shaping medieval theology and linguistic practice. This article examines Hilduin's translational techniques, linguistic innovations, and their broader cultural implications, providing a comprehensive view of his contributions to Western intellectual history.