Introduction: To begin this journey, we will zoom off bright and early for a day of darkness and morbidity. And what could be more Dark than the Dark Ages?
There are very few written records of this time period, known also as the Anglo-Saxon or Old English period in literature, and at this point every social group worth its salt was busy battling one another. Because of this, civilisation and literature developed at a snail's pace. But learning and culture was kept alive by members of the Christian Church... being the only people (excluding the odd royal or wealthy noble) who could read or write! Therefore, it can be concluded that their influence was great on the developement of English as we know it.
So the first thing on the agenda will be to visit the locations where various Christian monks died for what they believed in: Martyrdom isn't technically suicide, but since suicide was (is?) considered a sin most foul, none were recorded. But martyrdom, I can assure you, is just as fascinating, and is still the act of choosing death over life.
Above Left: St Boniface Above Right: St Polycarp
Locations
1. Spring of year 754, Friesland (present day Northern Holland), along the banks of the Borne River: This is where Saint (Winfred) Boniface was killed, by the group of pagans he was trying to convert, for cutting down the tree they had been worshipping.The battle axes, spears and clubs used to kill him and his fellow missionaries can still be veiwed at the memorial site...upon request.
2. Easter of year 155, Rome, church of the Pope Anicetus: This is where Saint Polycarp was burned and then stabbed at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Roman Emperor. Here, we can read about his martyrdom in Butler's Lives of the Saints:
"The flames, forming themselves like the sails of a ship swelled with the wind, gently encircled the body of the martyr, which stood in the middle, resembling not burning flesh but bread that is being baked or precious metal refined: And there was a fragrance like the smell of incense. The order was given that Polycarp should be pierced with a spear, which was done: and a dove came forth, and such a quantity of blood as to quench the fire.
Here, in this sacred church, depictions and poetry of this famous martyrdom are said to induce tears with their beauty.
A lunch of bread and wine can be sampled at a tavern of our choice in this historic city, and from there on we can jump forward in time to the Middle Ages.
P.S: Click on the link below to see how/what these monks wrote: can you decipher it?!
http://historicromance.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/illum_manuscript_l.jpg
This is so APPROPRIATELY dark, Miss D.E. I'm loving it so far. (Feel free to delete my comments: I'm concerned they'll ruin the effect. But, I am so proud of the way you are doing this suicidal school project; have learnt much already. Thank you.) Mrs W.
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteLove the sound of the new links; I was just thinking this morning that I must remember to point you in the direction of a book called (I think) 'Touched by Fire' by a bipolar psychiatrist called Kay Jamieson. It explores the link between genius and madness. She wrote another one called 'The Unquiet Mind', which is her autobiography. Not only is it interesting, but also beautifully written. I will explore your links asap: it's a topic that fascinates me too. Have a lovely weekend. Mrs W
Tried my hand at dredging up my Latin: some returned: most didn't! Lovely link though.
ReplyDelete