Historical artifacts from the Middle Ages. Vivid, colorful, and illuminating the past. Here we analyze objects, artifacts, monuments, relics, and material culture as a response to the numerous myths that circulate 'fake news' about the Middle Ages--from their belief in the flat earth (fake!) to the female lock-n-key chastity belts (fake!). In addition, this site will highlight medieval films in all their attempted history (for better or worse). Let's get medieval.
Hildegard of Bingen: Play of Virtues
Hildegard of Bingen (1098 -1179) was a German nun well know for her compositions during the central Middle Ages. One of her most famous compositions, the Ordo Virtutum (Play of Virtues), is the story of the virtues (Humility, Hope, Chastity, Innocence, Contempt of the World, Celestial Love, Discipline? (the name is scratched out in the manuscript), Modesty, Mercy, Victory, Discretion, Patience, Knowledge of God, Charity, Fear of God, Obedience, and Faith) struggle to win a human soul over the devil. The play is credited to be one of the first morality plays, where one is choosing between good and evil or what is right and wrong.
Self-Portrait, Hildegard von Bingen, Illuminated manuscript, 12C, Germany
Hildegard was an example of how women obtained a greater authority in the church, through mysticism. As knowledge of law and philosophy were offered to male members of the clergy, many nuns and women of the time were able to become church leaders through their direct connection with Christ and the divine. Many popes, emperors, and scholars would consult with Hildegard for her wisdom for her direct connection with God. This gave her an opening into this changing world of knowledge.
Below I have included a interpretation of the closing act of Ordo Virtutum. Here the devil is depicted in chains after the human soul has chosen the Virtues and they have turned on him. The devil cannot sing, for he cannot produce "divine harmony."
I found it interesting how in the play 'the Devil' tried to insult the main nun by essentially saying how she did not fully understand what she was missing out on by being chaste. The nun then proved 'the Devil' wrong by saying that her vows were indeed the greater choice compared to intercourse. Fascinating how some from the medieval ages, especially clerical, viewed their condition and held to it. No doubt there were some who did not adhere to their vows of chastity but apparently there was the belief that some did, evidence being the Ordo Virtutum. Great blog John!
I remember Bennett mentioning Hildegard as one of the influential women of her time, when most of the power resided in men. I think it's cool that people came to her for advice on morality, rather than just depending on clergymen. Nice video. So was Ordo Virtutum a musical?
I found it interesting how in the play 'the Devil' tried to insult the main nun by essentially saying how she did not fully understand what she was missing out on by being chaste. The nun then proved 'the Devil' wrong by saying that her vows were indeed the greater choice compared to intercourse. Fascinating how some from the medieval ages, especially clerical, viewed their condition and held to it. No doubt there were some who did not adhere to their vows of chastity but apparently there was the belief that some did, evidence being the Ordo Virtutum. Great blog John!
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ReplyDeleteI remember Bennett mentioning Hildegard as one of the influential women of her time, when most of the power resided in men. I think it's cool that people came to her for advice on morality, rather than just depending on clergymen.
ReplyDeleteNice video. So was Ordo Virtutum a musical?