Women and mystical experience in the Middle Ages

The text traces a lineage of medieval Christian mystics—Hildegard of Bingen, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Richard Rolle, the Yorkshire nuns, and Julian of Norwich—suggesting a progression in mystical expression from a combative, martial spirituality to a more intimate, loving relationship with the divine. It implies that these figures represent a historical and literary development in how mystical experience was articulated, moving from warrior-like imagery to that of lover and beloved.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Hildegard of Bingen from warrior to lover Mechtild of Magdeburg Richard Rolle and the Yorksire nuns Julian of Norwich.