Original sin as treason in Act 1 of the Mystère d'Adam

Feudal legal language is used in the 12th-century Anglo-Norman liturgical drama the 'Mystere d'Adam' to depict the original sin of Adam and Eve as treason against God. Under feudal law, treason was regarded as the most serious of crimes. The penalty for treason made Adam and Eve and their descendants vassals of Satan. As traitors, they also suffered loss of the fief of paradise, banishment as outlaws, and death. However, the drama alludes to the coming of Christ to restore the feudal contract by making amends and obtaining pardon for the traitors and their descendants.