John the Sage

John the Sage, mentioned in R.P.S. (11th century) as resting at Malmesbury with Maedub and Aldhelm. He should probably be identified with the John whose tomb William of Malmesbury described and whose epitaph he transcribed. He believed that this was John Scotus Erigena, the Irish philosopher of the 9th century, and that he was killed by the pens of his students after settling at Malmesbury. It seems certain that this is due to confusion with another John and that the manner of John's death is borrowed from the Acts of St. Cassian of Imola. Feast: (at Malmesbury), 28 January.

Bibliography
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• William of Malmesbury, G.P., pp. 393–4; E.B.K. after 1100, pp. 75–6, R.P.S.; for John Scotus Erigena see O.D.C.C., s.v