Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 19681
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Power , Daniel.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: The Stripping of a Queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine in Thirteenth-century Norman Tradition [The author examines vernacular prose histories about the dukes of Normandy and kings of England. Power analyzes one passage concerning Eleanor immediatly following her divorce from Louis VII. She disrobes before her barons and asks for confirmation that she is not a devil. Power links this to the many medieval stories about a female noble ancestor who reveals that she is part demon by turning into a snake in her bath or flying out of church to avoid the Eucharist. The Norman histories vigorously contest this demonic rumor by the barons' affirmation that Eleanor has the most beautiful body in the kingdom. The article appendix presents three excerpts from thirteenth century texts concerning Eleanor's divorce and appeal to her barons. Title note supplied by Feminae.].
  • Source: The World of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Literature and Society in Southern France between the Eleventh and Thirteenth Centuries.  Edited by Marcus Bull and Catherine Léglu.  Boydell Press, 2005.  Pages 115 - 135.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Essay
  • Subject (See Also): Chronicles Demons Eleanor of Aquitaine, Wife of Louis VII of France and Henry II of England Historiography History- Sources Manuscripts Normandy Propaganda Queens
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: France
  • Century: 12-13
  • Primary Evidence: Manuscript; 1) Cambridge, University Library, Ii. Vl. 24. Published by Paul Meyer, "Notice sur le manuscrit II, 6, 24 de la bibliothèque de l'universitè de Cambridge." Notices et extraits 32 (1886), II, 37- 81 (pp. 65- 72).2) Paris, Bibliothèque de l' Arsenal, 3516,
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  • Year of Publication: 2005.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 1843831147