Does Emmanuel Macron cure herpes? The question may be surprising, but if I ask it, it is in reality to make a small historical comparison between the presidents who no longer heal – Macron is not the only one to blame – and the healing kings mentioned by Marc Bloch in The miracle-working kings.
One of the greatest works of Bloch, a pioneer in historical anthropology, is The Wonder Kings (1924)where he explains why and how the belief was born, in France and England, according to which kings cured scrofula, this disease marked by buboes and other unsavory symptoms. Bloch questions the charisma attributed to the king, even though today, we often consider that this charisma is lacking in our leaders.
This charisma, under codified conditions, allowed kings to accomplish what were considered miracles: by the simple laying of hands, transforming a sick person into a healthy person. Bloch shows that our ancestors were not more crazy or irrational than us. The scrofula probably disappeared on their own, or not. What matters is the relationship that was established between the people and the king, on the one hand, based on supernatural beliefs, and on the other hand, between spiritual power and royal power.
Each supposed healing allowed the king to strengthen his authority. Is this why Emmanuel Macron is so tactile when he shakes hands or welcomes his guests, as recently with Brazilian President Lula? Unless the last power that the president still has is that of entering the Pantheon, this place where Marc Bloch will now rest.
France
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