Le <i>Genethliacon Jacobi Sexti Scotorum Regis</i> de George Buchanan

Abstract

The Latin genethliac poem celebrating the birth of James VI of Scotland is often recognised as one of the most significant poems by George Buchanan, but it has never been fully analysed so far. This paper ambitions to propose a global interpretation of the genethliac, taking into account its literary as well as political aspects. After replacing the poem in the historical context of the reign of Mary queen of Scots and in the literary tradition of the genethliac poetry, the analysis focuses on three striking features of the poem: the lack of the maiores thematic, the opening prophecy and the portrait of the good king. The article also touches the problem of the double redaction, and gives a first critical edition and complete French translation of the poem.