Cyberia - The City of Ladies

Expanding more on the theme of women’s work, and lesser known roles in medieval times,

brings to mind the Troubairitzes, the female version of the male medieval Troubadours.

Often, the work of these women was secondary

only in fame to their male counterparts, and not in quality.  The women’s works

had a lightness and intelligence of emotion which men might not

convey through their sung tales.  These songs often contained wise instruction

on courtly love, or served as laments, or tales of woe in song.  The style

came from the south of France, at a time when much was changing in women’s

lives, and more freedoms were gained,

as discussed in the article on women and the Crusades below.

Here is some interesting material in lyric form, on these works,

which have been reproduced for modern CD listening,

  Early Women Masters. 

The lyrics are quite fascinating, even by today’s standards,

showing how little has changed with the passage of time.

(copyright Imogen Crest 2008.)

(Linked material is copyright to their respective authors.)

“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,

“Women and the Crusades”,

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.)

I have been out and about with my sketch book and visited the big bollards near the jetty and White Owl Farm. It was the most lovely day out. I had my bag, with some sandwiches and a drink tucked inside and slept to the sound of the ocean pounding near the bedroom window when I finally got back to my hideaway retreat.

(White Owl Island Archive, March 2006.)

(copyright Heather Blakey 2008.)

Last days at Owl Island before packing and going to the Land of Standing Stones with le Enchanteur and adventurous travellers. Owl Island has been such a lovely place to retreat to that I feel sure I will return soon to rest and regenerate.

(copyright Heather Blakey 2008.)

 

( White Owl Island Archive - Enchanteur Journey, April 3rd, 2006.)

 

Everyone loves White Owl Island - a space of rest and retreat in Nature with Fran’s (the Resident Crone.) wise owls for company, whispering sea grasses, and big, wide skies.  The rush of the sea is the only sound to be heard.  Time to rest, read, explore, or paint, as Heather does there.   If you want to go to Owl Island for a dose of creative R&R, contact Heather.  Lemuria is full of amazing places to explore, even if just for a day trip, not far from the City of Ladies, or other parts of this magical land.