Arnulf of Orléans (12th century)

Arnulf of Orléans, also known as Arnulf of Orléans the Younger, was a 12th-century French scholar and poet associated with the School of Orléans. He is best known for his commentary on Ovid's Metamorphoses, a work that significantly influenced the medieval understanding and interpretation of classical mythology.

While biographical details about Arnulf are scant, it is believed that he flourished in the mid-12th century and was a prominent teacher in Orléans. His commentary on Ovid, often referred to simply as the Ovidius moralizatus (although not universally accepted as his sole creation in all forms), is a critical work in the development of medieval allegory and its application to classical literature. In it, he provides both literal and allegorical interpretations of Ovid's myths, extracting moral and religious lessons from pagan stories. This approach was characteristic of the School of Orléans, which sought to reconcile classical learning with Christian doctrine.

Arnulf's work demonstrated a deep understanding of classical literature and a sophisticated ability to interpret it within a Christian framework. He explored themes of sin, virtue, and redemption through the lens of Ovid's narratives, shaping the way medieval audiences understood and engaged with classical mythology for centuries to come. His commentary was widely circulated and copied, making him a pivotal figure in the intellectual landscape of the 12th century. The Ovidius moralizatus significantly contributed to the development of the accessus ad auctores tradition, a standardized introduction to classical authors.

The exact dates of his birth and death remain unknown, and the extent of his other writings is still debated by scholars. However, his impact on the medieval understanding of Ovid and the role of classical literature in education is undeniable.