Permastubble seems to be the standard male fashion for much media set in the Middle Ages. It’s certainly the standard in the BBC Robin Hood and Merlin, two more recent medieval adaptations, and TV Tropes says it’s standard for an … Continue reading
On multiple occasions, from European History teachers and martial arts instructors, I have heard it said that during the Middle Ages, the Asian sword was a thing of perfection while the European sword was an ugly thing that knights used … Continue reading
I don’t know what the politically accurate terms are for the intellectually challenged or the mentally ill. I ask your forgiveness if I have misused terms; if I’ve said something insulting, it is a result of my ignorance, not my … Continue reading
What Is an Angel? St. Augustine defines angels by saying, “Angel” is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, … Continue reading
Given the current situation with Pope Benedict XVI (now Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger), I suspect that there will be much renewed interest in The Pope Who Quit by Jon M. Sweeney. When I first saw it in Barnes & Noble, I … Continue reading
By now, you’re probably all familiar with the 15th C kitty prints discovered by Emir O. Filipović: I’m pleased to announce that we have finally unearthed the culprit: Yes, she’s sitting on the Book of Kells. It was the best … Continue reading
In the Prose Lancelot, there is an adventure in which Guinevere is (falsely) accused of being an imposter. Unfortunately, King Arthur believes the scam, so a great deal of time is spent on what should be done with her. Some … Continue reading
In briefest terms, transubstantiation is the process by which bread and wine are entirely transformed into the body and blood of Christ. To medieval Christians, this was taken literally, though the appearance of bread and wine is maintained. It should … Continue reading
It feels a little strange to be writing a book review of the catechism. For obvious reasons, this review will not focus on the book itself, but on its usefulness to a medievalist. I’ve stressed several times and will probably … Continue reading
þe stif mon steppez þeron and þe stel hondelez dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars, and a wonderlich wroȝt trosse he wore for to sauve him of strain from stel briȝt, and syþen a crafty capados closed aloft … Continue reading
