Gone Medieval Podcast Episode Summary: "Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Women"

Released on October 29, 2024

Introduction

In the "Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Women" episode of the Gone Medieval podcast, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Yonega engage in a profound discussion with Hedda Howes, author of Poet Mystic Widow: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women. This episode delves into the lives, literary contributions, and enduring legacies of four remarkable medieval women, shedding light on their roles as writers, visionaries, and trailblazers in a male-dominated era.

Introducing the Four Extraordinary Medieval Women

1. Marie de France – The Poet Marie de France stands as the earliest of the four women discussed. Despite the scarce information about her, Marie is celebrated for her literary prowess, particularly her fables and lays—short narrative poems akin to fairy tales or Arthurian legends. Hedda Howes notes, “Marie de France... writes short, almost like fairy tales or Arthurian legends” (04:31). Marie's works are distinctive for their focus on women's experiences, a rarity among her contemporaries. Speculated to be a noblewoman from France who spent significant time in England, Marie might have even become a nun, reflecting her deepening interest in religious themes. However, much of her personal life remains a mystery.

2. Julian of Norwich – The Mystic Julian of Norwich is revered for her spiritual insights and profound visions received during a period of severe illness. Transitioning into the role of an anchoress, Julian secluded herself to dedicate her life to God, producing an influential account of her divine visions. Hedda highlights Julian’s enduring impact: “Julian of Norwich...incredibly beautiful and still very popular account of visions” (04:31). Her writings offer a window into her mystical experiences, providing comfort and hope that continue to resonate today.

3. Christine de Pizan – The Prolific Widow Perhaps the most renowned among the four, Christine de Pizan emerges as a pioneering figure in medieval literature. After the death of her husband, Christine leveraged her noble background and education to sustain her family through writing—a rare achievement for a woman of her time. She transitioned from love poetry to political commentary and historical writing, effectively making a living through her literary talents. Hedda emphasizes Christine’s entrepreneurial spirit: “She was pretty much the first medieval woman in Europe to make a living, a profession out of writing” (04:31). Christine's strategic self-marketing and oversight of her manuscripts ensured her legacy, making her a lasting figure in medieval studies.

4. Marjorie Kemp – The Mystical Wife Marjorie Kemp, described as "the Marmite of medieval women," balances roles as a wife, mother, and mystic. With at least fourteen pregnancies, Marjorie's life was fraught with personal struggles, including bouts of madness following childbirth—likely postnatal depression or psychosis. Unlike Julian, Marjorie refused to become a nun or anchoress, choosing instead to remain active in the world. Her writings reveal a woman striving for spiritual and social recognition, though contemporaries often found her abrasive. Hedda captures Marjorie’s complex persona: “Some readers love her. Some readers find her incredibly irritating” (07:36).

Navigating Patriarchal Structures: Branding and Hustling

A central theme of the discussion is how these women skillfully navigated the patriarchal constraints of their time to achieve recognition and influence. Hedda Howes explains that all four women shared a common ground in their commitment to writing, which Hedda selected as a unifying thread for her book. This shared dedication allowed them to "navigate within [the patriarchal system] and find a way to achieve within it" (26:55).

Christine de Pizan, in particular, exemplifies this through her relentless self-marketing. By overseeing her own manuscript production and ensuring her works were widely distributed, Christine effectively built a personal brand that has endured for centuries. Hedda notes, “Christine de Pizan is one of the first people who's ever really understood branding as a huge exercise” (26:55).

Marjorie Kemp’s attempts to gain sainthood and Julian of Norwich’s visions also reflect their strategic use of religious and social capital to cement their legacies. Hedda remarks on their savvy navigation: “They are super aware of what the social expectations for women are and are able to gamify them” (26:55).

Challenging Common Myths: Travel and Friendship

The podcast challenges pervasive myths about medieval life, particularly concerning women's roles and mobility. Hedda Howes passionately discusses her chapter on medieval travel, debunking the notion that people in the Middle Ages rarely traveled. She highlights that medieval women did travel, albeit facing more challenges, and often did so with agency and purpose.

Dr. Yonega adds personal resonance to this theme, drawing parallels between medieval and modern experiences: “When you use SAP Concur solutions to automate your business finances, you'll be ready for anything” (37:38). This metaphor underscores the ingenuity and resilience of medieval women in navigating their environments.

Friendships among medieval women are another focal point, revealing the social dynamics and emotional support systems that existed despite the limited historical records. Hedda emphasizes the importance of these relationships: “When we find those moments, they tell us so much” (32:51). The discussion highlights how male contemporaries often misrepresented or ignored women's interactions, yet these bonds were integral to their lives.

The Complexity of Medieval Motherhood

Motherhood in the Middle Ages is explored with nuance, countering the simplistic view of women solely as childbearers. Hedda Howes recounts her personal experience while writing about medieval motherhood, providing a contemporary perspective on historical realities. She states, “There's still a really important experience for a lot of women as well” (12:44), acknowledging both the pressures and profound experiences of medieval mothers.

The conversation addresses the emotional toll of childbirth and child mortality, emphasizing that medieval women grappled with the same fears and losses that contemporary women do. Hedda notes, “There are still so many men that have opinions on breastfeeding or what kind of birth you should have” (12:44), drawing a parallel to ongoing societal pressures on women today.

Understanding Medieval Perspectives on Death

Death, a ubiquitous aspect of medieval life, is examined through the lens of these women's writings. Hedda Howes discusses how each woman envisioned death and the afterlife, reflecting their personal hopes and societal beliefs. Christine de Pizan saw heaven as an intellectual realm, aligning with her scholarly pursuits, while Marjorie Kemp sought fellowship and status among saints.

Julian of Norwich’s contemplative approach to death, influenced by the plague and personal loss, instilled a sense of hope and reassurance in her writings. Hedda connects these medieval reflections to modern sensibilities, noting, “Their writing is really harrowing to read” (15:15), yet also conveys a universal quest for meaning and peace in the face of mortality.

Modern Resonance and Legacy

The episode underscores the enduring relevance of these medieval women, highlighting how their struggles and triumphs resonate with modern audiences. Hedda Howes reflects on the shared human experiences that transcend time: “...these women...think like...many of the things I think women are facing today” (43:00). This connection fosters a deeper appreciation for their contributions and the timeless nature of their challenges.

Christine de Pizan’s ability to market herself and Julian of Norwich’s authoritative voice exemplify strategies that remain pertinent, illustrating the foresight and adaptability of these medieval figures. Hedda concludes that their legacies continue to inspire and inform contemporary discussions on women's roles, agency, and literature.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hedda Howes on Marie de France: “Marie de France...writes short, almost like fairy tales or Arthurian legends” (04:31).

• Hedda Howes on Julian of Norwich: “Julian of Norwich...incredibly beautiful and still very popular account of visions” (04:31).

• Hedda Howes on Christine de Pizan: “She was pretty much the first medieval woman in Europe to make a living, a profession out of writing” (04:31).

• Hedda Howes on Branding: “Christine de Pizan is one of the first people who's ever really understood branding as a huge exercise” (26:55).

• Hedda Howes on Medieval Motherhood: “There's still a really important experience for a lot of women as well” (12:44).

• Hedda Howes on Friendships: “When we find those moments, they tell us so much” (32:51).

• Hedda Howes on Modern Relevance: “...these women...think like...many of the things I think women are facing today” (43:00).

Conclusion

The "Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Women" episode of Gone Medieval offers a compelling exploration of four influential medieval women who defied societal constraints to leave an indelible mark on history. Through Hedda Howes' insightful analysis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of these women’s literary contributions, personal struggles, and strategic maneuvering within a patriarchal society. The episode not only celebrates their achievements but also draws meaningful connections between their lives and contemporary issues faced by women today.