Abandoned at Work and Home
“Jerusalem, you do me a great wrong by taking from me that which I loved best.
Know this to be true: I’ll never love you, for this is the reason for my unhappiness…
Fair, sweet lover, how will you endure your great ache for me out on the salty sea,
When nothing that exists could ever tell the deep grief that has come into my heart?
When I think of your gentle, sparkling face that I used to kiss and caress,
It is a great miracle that I am not deranged….”
(by Anonymous singer of women’s songs)
Thanks to a brilliant essay from The Women’s World Curriculum,
at Medieval Sources Online, detailing women’s work and roles
at the time, more can be learned about the lesser known
phenomenon of men leaving their wives to tend to their
estates at the time of the Crusades. The excerpt above from a French
song of lament, though anonymous, gives a voice to the feelings of
women at the mercy of the nature of those times. Often, these
men did not return, communication would have been scant and
difficult, and absences could last years. Before the real danger of
these crusades was known, women sometimes accompanied their
men, but after the devastating cost was known, there was a ban on
anyone but men attending the ravaging travels of crusades.
The linked essay also contains some great revelations, and details of
a noble lady, making her stand and “do or die choice” in the name of
protecting her estate when her noble husband was away. Accounts of
women finding their administrative powers over their home and land
flourish in a time of great hardship, and present an odd boon to this troubled
age, which was the stretch in the reach of women’s perceived limits, showing
their full capabilities, at women’s work.
(copyright Imogen Crest 2008.)
Heather Blakey
Lori
soulsister
imogen88
gailkav
Anita Marie
traveller2006
porchsitter
cronelogical
gwenguin1
peacebird
aletta mes
shewolfy728
kvwordsmith
woodnymph
thalia
pearlz
mavenmaker
Alexis
Much of this explains the poignant letters, stories and poetry that birthed from that era.
An ode to the women left behind, but not helpless. It speaks to their survival, their taking the reigns of control in their hands when there is hope no longer of their men returning. It is an account, too, of today when both men and women leave their young and extended families to fight in an unnecessary war.
Vi
I just finished reading “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett and the Crusades play a role in defining the power of a female character. Can’t say more without giving things away, but it’s an excellent fictional view into this particular slice of life.
One of my favorite classes in college was “Women in the Medieval Age”. Two of my favorite women from that time are Hildegard von Bingen, who was a genius, and the quirky Marjory Kempe.
I am so exciting about this links you site. I’m off to check them out.
All of these comments are so interesting, ladies, and it’s a fascinating subject, how all this upheaval changes women’s roles. I love Hildegard of Bingen, too, Lori, and have her music. She’s incredible. These links are probably the best I have seen, so I wanted to share them. Enjoy.
Sounds like a good read, Joanne! Might look out for it.