Many classic tales have made a strong impression on society. How often do we see casual references to Leroux’s Phantom, Stevenson’s dual-natured Dr. Jekyll, or the original rags-to-riches heroine Cinderella? Meanwhile, some stories that aren’t instantly recognizable by title or tale have rich histories dating back hundreds of years and present timeless morals.
Such is the case with the medieval legend “Our Lady’s Juggler.” Anatole France popularized the tale in his 1890 short story “Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame.” The French title refers not to the famed Paris cathedral or the respected university but to a title for the Blessed Virgin Mary, translated as Our Lady (“notre dame”).
