Abstract:
The Gädl is the most powerfull genre of Ethiopian hagiography, which is one of the most
important constituents of Gəˀəz literature. This study assessed one of the vitas in Gəˀəz literature
written for saint Samuʾel zӓdӓbrӓ Wӓgӓg. The objective of this study was to analyse the vita of
the saint Samuʾel zӓdӓbrӓ wӓgӓg. The study used qualitative research design through thematic
data analysis by obtained primary data from the manuscript. As to the result, the saint Samuʾel
zӓdӓbrӓ wӓgӓg was Ethiopian monk who lived in the 15th century who was born from his father,
Endreyas, and his mother, Arsonwa. They had a great connection with God, and they wanted to
have a child for themeselves. They gave birth to him through unceasing prayer and fasting.
Samuel’s childhood history is based on the story of his family. His childhood was shaped by
Christian ethics. Samuel was a strong, spiritual, and reliable deacon. From abba Täklä
Haymanot, his hand held the yoke of the monkhood. Saint Samuel was a person who made great
sacrifice to change people’s consciousness from bad to good, from worshipping idols to
worshiping God, to keep the rules and regulations of Christianity. In line with this, since Saint
Samuel was righteous before God, the covenant passage of the saint was the most important part
of his vita. He passed away on the 29th of October. Saint Samuel struggle was highly focused on
converting the pagans from worship of idols to God. He was not only the monk but also the duke.
Preaching the Gospel, ethical educations, founding the monastery and this Saint has strong
relationship with King Dawit II.The result also narrated about the intertextuality of the vita such
as Quotation, Paraphrase and Allusion. And also the language used in the vita such as Human
(personification), Apostrophe, Metaphor, Symbolism, Simile and Hyperbole (Exclamation). So,
the vita is highly important source for historical, language, intertextuality and theological
studies in addition to the deeds of 15th century saints.
Keywords: Vita, Saint, Samuel, Zӓdӓbrӓ wӓgӓg, Yäzärzä