Medieval Heroines in History and Legend

This course on four famous medieval women presents, based on the latest scholarly research, the lives of Heloise, the abbess and mistress of Abelard; the prophet Hildegard of Bingen; Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine; and Joan of Arc. These lectures exemplify today's "golden age" of medieval scholarship which is clarifying the roles women played in medieval life. These lectures are an extraordinary opportunity to examine both new facts and old legends about these four women, such as: Were Hildegard's visions the results of migraines? How did Joan conduct herself in battle and react to its bloody reality? What does Eleanor's life tell us about a woman's role in the Crusades? You will learn how these remarkable heroines have been understood and misunderstood, and better understand how history passes judgment on both women and the Middle Ages.Wheeler, Bonnie is the author of 'Medieval Heroines in History and Legend', published 2002 under ISBN 9781565855236 and ISBN 156585523X.