Sources of Spirituality in the Liber Manualis of Dhuoda
James Francis LePree
Athough I, Dhuoda, am of the weaker sex, living unworthily among weaker, still I your mother, my son William. To you now, direct words Manual.1 For over a century, interest in Dhuoda's Liber manualis has resulted numerous editions and translations as well multitude secondary studies. Typifying such scholarship, Glenn Olsen categorized Dhuoda standing well-established tradition, particularly prominent Merovingian period, aristocratic mothers were seen responsible for moral religious instructions their children.2 Yet, work is unique its autobiographical nature, scope, style what it reveals her intense spirituality. Scholars have long recognized influence Regula s. Benedicti (Rule Saint Benedict) exercised manualis. Further, they to some extent also noted significant role played by additional monastic ascetic sources, fifth-century Conferences Institutions cenobitiques John Cassian, seventh-century Isidore Seville's numerorum providing fundamental framework key passages Nevertheless, thorough examination manual suggests that scholars not fully studied masterful original treatment sources Holy Scriptures, Epistulae or letters Jerome sixth-century Verba seniorum (Sayings Fathers). Consequently, this study will focus on these exegetical skill adaptation, order provide coherent model theological notions. These tailored particular needs son, In way, provided him only guide abstract spirituality but one firmly embedded realism practical theology. The Manualis Vox Matris (the Voice Mother) Certainly most important Carolingian literary works mirror princes genre, manualis, while having much common with didactic Christian specula principum, revealing sentiments an laywoman mother. Steven Stofferahn emphasis ideals patience humility,3 Clelia Jaffe characterized text which stands out lone woman author's voice from ninth century.4 Yet if was crying popularity today assured, evidenced enormous volume diversity literature stimulated. Indeed, even been subject historical fiction.5 composed at Uzes southern France between November 30, 841, February 2, 843, serve spiritual eldest William.6 As states, she heard husband, Count Bernard Septimania, had commended William into hands King Charles Bald Aquitania, almost certainly hostage ensure loyalty his father.7 Very little known herself. Riche correctly stated If manuscripts survived, we would be totally ignorant Dhuoda.8 That member aristocracy evident, education, comment ancestors once powerful world, reference progeny grand noble lineage.9 Moreover, related given marriage eleventh year Emperor's reign, June 29, 824.10 Clearly, written during time great political turmoil. She describes increasing troubles, vicissitudes discord kingdom. This all probability allusion civil wars emperor's sons: Lothar, Louis German, Bald. …
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