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Ordinalia

collection of Cornish plays

Quick Summary

The Ordinalia is a significant trilogy of medieval Cornish plays, likely written in the late 14th century. These plays were intended to be performed over three consecutive days, possibly in an outdoor "play-field" called a plen-an-gwary. The trilogy consists of three parts: Origo Mundi (Origin of the World), which covers Creation and the Fall; Passio Domini Nostri Ihesu Christi (Passion of Our Lord), detailing Christ's temptation and crucifixion; and Resurrexio Domini Nostri Ihesu Christi (Resurrection of the Lord), depicting the Resurrection and Ascension. These plays are considered the finest examples of Middle Cornish literature and are related to the miracle and morality plays common in medieval Europe, though they have distinct Cornish traditions and influences.12

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