Summary of "Strange Stories of Medieval Saints" Episode on the History Extra Podcast

Podcast: History Extra Podcast
Host: Emily Briffet
Guest: Luke Daly, Author of Medieval Saints and Their Sins
Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Strange Stories of Medieval Saints," Emily Briffet engages in a profound conversation with Luke Daly, the author of Medieval Saints and Their Sins. The discussion delves into the complexities of sainthood in the Middle Ages, exploring how saints were not always paragons of virtue but often embodied the intricate and sometimes contradictory facets of medieval society.

Understanding Medieval Saints

Luke Daly opens the conversation by addressing the fundamental question: What defined a saint in the Middle Ages? He explains that the concept of sainthood evolved significantly, especially after the Norman Conquest, which brought standardized rules and regulations for canonization.

Luke Daly [01:31]: "In general terms, a saint was a holy figure. They were someone who lived a very pious life, an exemplary life, and was in a way a case study that people could follow."

Daly emphasizes that sainthood involved both popular veneration and formal canonization processes, often requiring the verification of miracles by ecclesiastical authorities.

Saints as Reflection of Society

Daly elaborates on how saints serve as microcosms of medieval society, reflecting its values, fears, and norms.

Luke Daly [03:54]: "Saint Gerald of Auriac... would just tap them. And so he didn't kill people, although he was this knight..."

This example illustrates the Church's struggle to reconcile the martial and sometimes violent lives of certain saints with their sanctified status. Saints were not always flawless; they often embodied the societal roles and conflicts of their times, such as warriors who were also revered for their piety.

Gender and Sainthood

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the differences between male and female saints and what these differences reveal about gender roles in medieval society.

Luke Daly [11:25]: "Amongst female saints, chastity is the prevailing attribute... because of these reasons... why St. Cuthbert... stopped women from visiting Durham."

Daly points out that while male saints were often celebrated for attributes like piety and strength, female saints were predominantly venerated for their chastity and piety. This distinction underscores the societal expectations and perceptions of gender during the medieval period.

Saints as Microcosms of Society

The conversation introduces the concept of saints as microcosms, offering intimate glimpses into the societal and personal dynamics of their time.

Luke Daly [13:34]: "Saints become what is essentially a little case study microcosm for the wider things going on."

Through saints like St. Augustine and St. Mary, Daly explains how personal narratives and emotional outpours in hagiographies provide valuable insights into the human experiences and societal attitudes of the medieval era.

The Evolving Role of Saints

Daly traces the transformation of saints' roles in relation to the evolving power dynamics of the Church and society.

Luke Daly [23:35]: "As time goes on, you then see ways in which the Church uses their saints as a tool."

Initially, saints were venerated purely for their holiness and as intermediaries between the divine and the mundane. Over time, however, the Church began to utilize saints strategically to solidify its influence, control narratives, and even generate revenue through pilgrimages and the veneration of relics.

Saints and Political Power

The episode explores the tension between saints and political authorities, highlighting how saints could both challenge and be co-opted by rulers.

Luke Daly [28:03]: "When you look at Saint Cuthbert, he fought against William the Conqueror, and so William the Conqueror didn't like him."

Saints often held significant sway among the populace, making them powerful figures that could rival or challenge the authority of kings and emperors. This dynamic is evident in figures like Thomas Becket and St. Edmund, whose sainthood sometimes positioned them in opposition to royal power.

Notable Medieval Saints Highlighted

Throughout the discussion, Daly shares anecdotes about both renowned and obscure saints, emphasizing the diversity and complexity within the medieval sainthood.

• St. Augustine: Celebrated for his literary contributions like Confessions and City of God, which offer deep insights into his personal struggles and theological battles.

  Luke Daly [17:52]: "St. Augustine... you can get a lot of different variety of lives."

• Saint Guinefort: A dog saint whose veneration demonstrates the transmission and transformation of legends across cultures.

  Luke Daly [30:04]: "Saint Guinefort... was this kind of medieval invention and that actually it comes from a story from India."

• St. Edmund: Used by the Church to promote specific political and social agendas, such as protection from invaders.

Lessons from Medieval Saints for Today

Daly reflects on the modern relevance of medieval saints, suggesting that their stories offer timeless lessons about faith, societal values, and the human condition.

Luke Daly [31:29]: "Saints do allow that and do provide that sort of interesting outlet, especially when you look at more contentious ones like St. Gerald of Auriac."

The emotional depth and personal struggles documented in saints' lives resonate with contemporary audiences, offering parallels to today's societal issues and personal challenges.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by acknowledging the multifaceted nature of medieval sainthood. Saints were not monolithic symbols of purity and devotion but were instead complex figures intertwined with the socio-political and cultural fabrics of their time. Daly's exploration in Medieval Saints and Their Sins provides a nuanced understanding of how saints both shaped and were shaped by the medieval world, offering valuable lessons and reflections for modern listeners.

Emily Briffet [33:03]: "You can learn a lot about them."

Listeners are encouraged to engage with Daly's work to gain deeper insights into the intricate stories of medieval saints and their enduring impact on history and contemporary thought.

Additional Resources:
For more on the saints discussed, check out the episode with Joanna Dale on how the Northumbrian king Oswald became significant across medieval Europe.

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