ABSTRACT
Among the legends which have been regarded as possible forerunners of the sixteenth century Faust tradition the legends of Simon Magus, Cyprian, and Theophilus in particular have attracted the attention of Faust scholars. These legends were widely known throughout medieval Europe and the question of the possible connection of these older legends with the Faust legend has been the subject of much discussion, some scholars arguing for a direct derivation of the Faust legend from the earlier ones, others just as vigorously denying any such derivation. In any event, they are a part of the larger tradition and have for that reason been chosen for fuller presentation.
