Jeez, more on long hair and uncontrollable women. Ive read pieces on Eves unbound hair, and a zillion Victorian takes on cutting women's hair when they had brain fever, and my mother's family cut her hair off because she was too skinny so obviously her hair was sapping her strength. She resisted the impulse with me but was sorely tempted. Our shared genetic anemia ran a distant second to hair for the cause of our wan appearance.
It’s an interesting motif! Interesting that for men, long hair has been a symbol of strength, like Sampson who loses his power when his hair is cut (by a scheming woman of course).
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that your writing on the intersection of magic, gender, and medieval beliefs is absolutely captivating! The narrative of John and Bridget is so compellingly told. Such a great piece. Thank you for sharing.
I think I read the Claire Fanger edition which is really well translated and edited, if you can access it through a library: John of Morigny’s Flowers of Heavenly Teaching: An Edition and Commentary. With Nicholas Watson. Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies Press, 2015.
Jeez, more on long hair and uncontrollable women. Ive read pieces on Eves unbound hair, and a zillion Victorian takes on cutting women's hair when they had brain fever, and my mother's family cut her hair off because she was too skinny so obviously her hair was sapping her strength. She resisted the impulse with me but was sorely tempted. Our shared genetic anemia ran a distant second to hair for the cause of our wan appearance.
It’s an interesting motif! Interesting that for men, long hair has been a symbol of strength, like Sampson who loses his power when his hair is cut (by a scheming woman of course).
Loved this! Great writing
Thank you Ellen! I enjoyed writing this one
I think she just decided that she didn’t need demons to terrify her brother. She could do that by herself.
Have you read any Camille Paglia?
She goes into detail as to why history went this way. Why the religions didn’t want women to have magic.
That the books are mundane actually makes them more interesting.
It certainly makes them more human!
Well, if enough people believe in something, it can become 'real'.
"If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him" There is nothing more human than that impulse.
Endings are hard. This one is brilliant.
Thanks Clifford, I had fun with this one!
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that your writing on the intersection of magic, gender, and medieval beliefs is absolutely captivating! The narrative of John and Bridget is so compellingly told. Such a great piece. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jon!!
This was a delight to read!
Thanks so much, Wake!
*voice of Mary whispering* "Blue mohawk... WoooOOOOoooo... Blue mohawk!"
OF COURSE!
Just what the Dr ordered. Or should I say wrote? Great post. I chuckled and cringed simultaneously at the dinner party sketch. 😬
I think about that sketch all the time!
I think I read the Claire Fanger edition which is really well translated and edited, if you can access it through a library: John of Morigny’s Flowers of Heavenly Teaching: An Edition and Commentary. With Nicholas Watson. Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies Press, 2015.