"Ave maria, Mater Dei" and the proper translation

[LoyalViews]

William Cornysh composed a beautiful anthem entitled “Ave Maria, Mater Dei.” While sung in Latin, I’m confused by one of the phrases in the prayer.

Ave Maria, mater Dei,
regina caeli,
domina mundi,
imperatrix inferni,
miserere mei
et totius populi Christiani;
et ne permitas nos
mortaliter peccare;
sed tuam sanctissimam voluntatem
adimplere. Amen.

Notice “imperatrix inferni.” I’m not familiar with this title as regarding the Mother of God as the “empress of Hell” as implied. Can someone explain the theological or proper interpretation of that?

 

[SyroMalankara]

One could say Empress of Sheol, or Empress of the Departed

 

[Usige]

I had never heard it before. From the little I could find it looks like it was a title used in the Middle Ages.

The only speculation I could find is around the idea that when Mary accented to be the Mother of God she setup the defeat of Satan as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 where the head of the serpent will be crushed. In that way she became the Empress of Hell, by assuring Satan’s defeat.

Now that is mainly speculation as I have not read any contemporary accounts around how that title came to be. I’d be interested if anyone has a better historical perspective.

 

[Genesis315]

Interesting. I wonder if there is significance to the fact that it is “empress” of Hell, whereas her other title is “Queen” of Heaven and Earth. I think it might have to do with the fact that God’s power and authority–His empire–extend over all creation, including Hell. On the other hand, the “Kingdom of God” excludes those in Hell. Mary’s Queenship is therefore tied to the Kingdom, whereas her relationship to God would logically make her empress of Hell.

Either way, it seems like a title that might be easily confused to imply something sinister.

 

[Elizium23]

The Cult of Saints and the Virgin Mary in Medieval Scotland
By Steve Boardman, Eila Williamson
Steve Boardman:

Sim Innes … similarly reinforces the powerful contemporary appeal of Mary’s unparalleled intercessory powers, most evocatively as the ‘Empress of Hell’, capable of descending into Satan’s own realm to wrest the souls of her devotees from damnation.

I have to confess that this explanation sounds… fishy. The souls of the damned cannot be saved after death. I could believe that Mary has the power to reach out to those who are tormented by demons and the powers of Hell, but not this.

 

[ProVobis]

Notice “imperatrix inferni.” I’m not familiar with this title as regarding the Mother of God as the “empress of Hell” as implied. Can someone explain the theological or proper interpretation of that?

I wouldn’t read into this any more than we say of Christ in the Apostles Creed “descendit ad infernos” (descended into Hell). Both are poorly translated into 2015 English (and some other languages as well) as far as I’m concerned.

 

[Maddie26]

I wonder if the title Empress of Hell refers to her crushing of Satan’s head? Perhaps it also refers to the time to come. Maybe it is because Satan does not rule Hell, he is confined there (or has been or will be depending on your reading of a few verses ). Actually, come to think of it, God would also be King of Hell since there is nothing in creation of which He is not the Master.

I don’t have Bible or Catechism verses for this so do say if I’m on tricky theological ground.

 

[Usige]

I wonder if the title Empress of Hell refers to her crushing of Satan’s head? Perhaps it also refers to the time to come. Maybe it is because Satan does not rule Hell, he is confined there (or has been or will be depending on your reading of a few verses ). Actually, come to think of it, God would also be King of Hell since there is nothing in creation of which He is not the Master.

I don’t have Bible or Catechism verses for this so do say if I’m on tricky theological ground.

Maddie, that’s the same I’ve been coming up with and am glad to join you on that shaky ground.

 

[Bran_Stark]

I was just reading “Anonymous Lyrics of the Fifteenth Century” in my Norton Anthology of Poetry and saw a nice little carol that reminded me of this thread:

Noel, noel, noel,
Noel, noel, noel!

Out of your sleep arise and wake,
For God mankind now hath i-take
All of a maid without any make:
Of all women she beareth the bell. Noel…

And through a maiden fair and wise,
Now man is made of full great price;
Now angels kneel to man’s servise,
And at this time all this befell. Noel…

Now man is brighter than the sun;
Now man in heaven on high shall wone;
Blessed be God, this game is begun
And his mother empress of hell. Noel…

That ever was thrall, now is he free;
That ever was small, now great is she;
Now shall God deem both thee and me
Unto his bliss if we do well. Noel…

Now man may to heaven wend;
Now heaven and earth to him they bend;
He that was foe now is our friend;
This is no nay that I you tell. Noel…

Now blessèd brother, grant us grace
At doomesday to see thy face,
And in thy court to have a place,
That we may there sing noel. Noel…

There is a footnote that “according to medieval Catholic doctrine, Mary, as queen of heaven, had the power to intercede for those sent to hell.”

 

[LoyalViews]

It all makes sense! Thank you for your help, each and every one of you.