Valerius of Bierzo as an interpreter of the seventh-century ecclesiastical environment of northwestern Iberia

ABSTRACT Valerius of Bierzo, a hermit who lived in northern Iberia in the last years of the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo (568–711), is considered an eccentric character by many scholars. Valerius left a rich, although not long, literary production that is surprising for its originality, equal only to its relative obscurity outside of the Iberian world. Among other things, he wrote a treatise about the “degenerate” monasticism practiced in his region and three short pieces known as his autobiographical works in which he describes his vicissitudes on the path towards an ascetic way of life. Incidentally addressing numerous topics of society, culture, power, and of course, religion, Valerius offers a precious source of information regarding early medieval society in Galicia. This article analyses his comments and impressions based on his personal opinion about the clergy and monastic life in his region. In doing so, it unveils his character and situates his behaviour – and apparent eccentricity – as reflections of his personal life choices and the religious and political impositions to which he was subjected.