Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 1704
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Hibbard , Angela Marie.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Christina of St. Trond: Legend, Madwoman, Shaman?
  • Source: Studies in Spirituality 10, ( 2000): Pages 107 - 124.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Asceticism Christina Mirabilis van Sint-Truiden, Mystic Hagiography Mystics Shamanism Thomas of Cantimpré, Scientist- Vita Christinae Mirabilis Women in Religion
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: Low Countries
  • Century: 12-13
  • Primary Evidence:
  • Illustrations:
  • Table:
  • Abstract: Christina of St Trond, called "Mirabilis" by her biographer, Thomas de Cantimpré, may be an example of a psychically sensitive woman whose near-death experience plunged her into a period of shaman-like behavior. Because elements of classic shamanism were familiar to her contemporaries through their presence in earlier European tribal cultures, in the practices of other Christian saints, and in the medieval culture of Christina's era, her behavior was considered to be not only within the bounds of possiblity but a positive sign of holiness. Reading her biography within this larger religious context makes it easier to approach it without the usual prejudices of the modern mentality. [Reproduced with permission of the Titus Brandsma Institute (The Netherlands). Copies of "Studies in Spirituality" can be ordered from the publisher: Peeters Publishers, Bondgenotenlaan 153, B-3000 Louvain (www.peeters-leuven.be).]
  • Related Resources:
  • Author's Affiliation: AMHibbard@aol.com
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 2000.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 09266453