Annihilation and Authorship: Three Women Mystics of the 1290s
Barbara Newman
Previous articleNext article FreeAnnihilation and Authorship: Three Women Mystics of the 1290sBarbara NewmanBarbara Newman Search for more articles by this author Barbara is Professor English, Religious Studies, Classics at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (e-mail: [email protected])PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailQR Code SectionsMoreOne most startling tenets late-medieval mysticism its call self-annihilation. The human soul, with all powers knowing, willing, loving, must be reduced nothing merge into God without remainder, sacrificing unique identity in indistinct union Beloved. On face it, quest annihilation—a Christian version nirvana—seems represent epitome disillusionment present life. Nothing world worth saving, salvation merely reverses gratuitous act creation. As one fourteenth-century mystic put naked soul return Godhead, “where I was before created.”1 Yet mystical annihilation proves a complex idea, significant variants across range spirituality. Although concept became widespread only calamitous fourteenth century, it first emerged relatively calm 1290s. More remarkably, simulta­neously writings three women who lived far apart could not possibly have known each other. great works women’s came being decade profess new doctrine, though different ways differing degrees.Mechthild Hackeborn, Angela Foligno, Marguerite Porete were exact contemporaries differed language, social status, modes religious life; their books diverge no less genre, production, posthumous destinies. Thus comparing them can provide way contextualize radical idea annihilatio, which Bernard McGinn links expressly women, as took shape within varied contexts authorship.2 soul’s desire on some level deeply opposed authorship, preserve trace an individual self time. So asks two interrelated questions. First, what are roots annihilation? Where does come from, how coalesce these very women? Second, do they negotiate conflict, already voiced Saint Paul, between pastoral teach “desire dissolved Christ, that better” (Phil. 1.23)? focus especially scene writing, dramatized other texts because so difficult risky.3 All express conflict about literary projects, but distinctly modes, allowing us ask understood relate writing.Mechthild Hackeborn: Annihilation, Ecstasy, Celestial BlissMechthild Hackeborn (1241–98) enjoyed traditional privileged life any woman hope for. Her father, powerful baron related Hohenstaufen; he held lands northern Thuringia Harz mountains.4 Mechthild’s older sister Gertrud (not confused her friend, “the Great”) elected abbess recently founded nunnery Rodarsdorf 1250. Only nineteen time, she soon moved community Helfta near Eisleben, close family seat.5 During Gertrud’s illustrious forty-year reign, monastery revered throughout Saxony center learning holiness. renowned maintaining first-class scriptorium, enhancing library purchase copying books, promoting education, encouraging frequent Communion Eucharistic piety.6 Mechthild, had entered 1248 age seven, chantress, teacher, novice mistress, effectual second-in-command.7The question nuns’ order has been much discussed. Though identified several documents Benedictine, followed Cistercian customary, founding sisters 1229 from Halberstadt. year earlier, however, General Chapter firmly rejected incorporation nunneries, status never become official. Most confessors Dominicans (the mentioned Liber specialis gratiae), also maintained ties male Benedictines, Franciscans, Teutonic Knights.8 In fact, last Stifte—wealthy, aristocratic, proudly independent female houses whose tradition dates back Carolingian era. nuns, always called dominae, recruited families counts Mansfeld barons Hackeborn), lower nobility, ministeriales. Their manual labor extended traditionally upper-class tasks like spinning, embroidery, illuminating manuscripts. 1290s, while book written, there probably sixty choir nuns perhaps fifty conversi conversae.9 Mechthild HackebornAngela FolignoMarguerite PoreteDates1241–19 Nov. 1298d. 4 Jan. 1309d. 1 June 1310RegionSaxonyUmbriaHainautVernacularLow GermanItalian (Umbrian)French (Picard)Religious statusBenedictine/Cistercian nun, virgin, chantresswife, mother, tertiary, penitentbeguineConfessorDominicanFranciscanunknownSocial statusnoblewealthy bourgeoisunknownEcclesiastical fatebeata, minor cultbeatified 1701, canonized 2013burned hereticBook TitleLiber gratiaeLibro: Memorial InstructionsMirouer des simples ames anientiesDates1291–99Mem. 1292–97, revised 1299–1300; Instr. c. 1296–13101290s–1300s, after 1306Written byGertrud another nunBrother A., confessor (Mem.), various disciples (Instr.)selfLanguageLatinLatinFrenchExtant MSSc. 300 incl. anthologies28–31c. 17 fragmentsEarly translations (in chron. order)Dutch, German, Swedish, Italian, FrenchItalian, Spanish, French, GermanLatin, ItalianGenrevisionary recital, liturgical commentary, hagiographyspiritual autobiography guidanceallegorical dialogueWithin enclave, lively, energetic, cheerful presence. fine voice sang unusual fervor, resist habit slipping ecstasy middle antiphon.10 teacher admired; gathered hear expound scriptures “as if preacher.”11 Like holy people, attracted sought we now spiritual direction. According vita, “people would confidently disclose secrets hearts her, freed many burdens—not monastery, outside. Both laypeople away, saying found consolation anyone else. She composed taught prayers that, written down, make longer than Psalter.”12 friendship protégée, younger Gertrud, shared well gifts.13 But seems favorite all: “Everyone loved every wanted even point causing difficulties.”14Despite charismatic gifts, received divine share revelations—an omission sets mystics. likely materialized events. landing meteor around 1270—a named Magdeburg, fire dimming quenched. Celebrated visions prophecies, aging beguine harassed hostile clergy faced encroaching blindness. live alone, Abbess generously invited join Helfta. It easy fiercely independent, disabled adapt convent life, yet did grace. brought her—The Flowing Light Low German—and bravely continued write, dictate seventh final sisters. “Lord, thank you taking me my eyesight,” prayed, “and serving eyes others.”15 We know old beguine’s dictation, among them. A chantress normally charge where copied, possessed high degree literacy. early thirties namesake clearly made deep impression, gratiae contains allusions Magdeburg’s book, moving account death 1282.16 broadly, excitement sharing authorship galvanized community. If solitary persevere courageously task then why Helfta, resources plus gift Latinity? Were graced God?The second, immediate stimulus production sad one. 1291, fell sick painful illness, leaving intermittently bedridden long periods eventual fifty-seven. formerly active nun chafed under restraint forced immobility. Not feel useless community, during phase illness beloved sister, died. Deprived once leadership both sisters, dominated four decades, devastated. abbess, Sophia Querfurt-Mansfeld, brilliant idea. revealed little date inner sickbed began copious visions, prize student Gertrud. therefore asked confidante ailing write down revelations.17 They secret, presumably conversing jotting notes, formalized Latin.18 whole process transcription, translation, revision, editing least eight years—as might, given fills 421 pages nineteenth-century print edition. end learn friends doing. At felt angry betrayed, help revelations direct command reconciled herself authorship.19This rate story tells itself. Before examining detail, should plausible broad outlines. certainly topos, eventually puts his imprimatur writing motion. Unlike Hildegard Bingen Elisabeth Schönau, Latinate predecessors, feels preach or write. idea—hence need secrecy, again typical. Other dictated keenly aware doing so, sometimes (as Angela’s case) expressing dissatisfaction scribes seeking control. Finally, such virtually worked amanuenses.20 cases transcribing sisters’ place itself: Great’s Legatus divinae pietatis.21 latter completed similar way, secrecy.22 Disseminated abridged form Dominicans, surely inspiration genre sisterbooks, communal vitae sororum highlighting experiences.23 own composition cannot dismissed typical hagiographic fare. mention name, commission testifies wisdom. Finding eager audience lifted suffering spirits. Further, bereft longtime sense purpose project, reviving thrill when assisted Magdeburg decades earlier.It surprising chose Latin medium. vernacular, transcribed same tongue. When conversed friends, almost spoke German. hard imagine highly using learned tongue everyday speech. But, knew, greater authority. Liber, constituting third seven-part work, commentary visionary form: recalls performing such-and-such antiphon psalm verse feast year. For evocations Office, indispensable. later too suffused citations scripture liturgy. companion volume, Legatus, testify Latinity elsewhere Europe time pressed match. choice enabled immediate, transregional diffusion, multiple translations—first Dutch English finally Italian French. concerned, still platform translations.24Seven chapters scattered through describe vouch Among interesting dream vouchsafed unnamed scribe:The person wrote partly [Mechthild’s] mouth closest friend [Gertrud], saw vision years earlier. seemed worthy handmaid God, whom speak, devoutly receiving Communion. returned Holy Communion, holding large golden vial cubit long, chant loud voice, saying, delivered five talents. See, talents more” [Matt. 25.20]. After everyone, “Who wants honey celestial Jerusalem?” Then approached offered vial. approached, gave morsel bread infused honey. hands, increase marvelously size until grew loaf, soft warm. And honey, suffusing through, trickled hands abundantly oil. sprinkled bosom dew flowed ground.25Here appears role priest, distributing honey.26 grows full, delicious loaf metaphor represents sweetness God’s grace flowing oil” over those handle it. retrospect, scribe’s becomes prophetic authorization.Other herself. claims secret Mass, “What reward think [Gertrud] will receive writing?”27 Astonished, fact confidences, afraid admit reassurances follow. Christ right hand kisses “Everything out heart flow it.”28 Later Jesus distressed, knows will; says dismay stems ingratitude. assures governs project:I am listen you, stirring up understanding ears you; understand hear. mouths speak things. writers helper collaborator way. compose true, Truth itself…. Even record things elegantly yet, cooperation grace, work approved confirmed truth.29The proliferation anecdotes shows struggled reconcile authorship. humility, course, heightens saintly aura. truly accept persuaded benefit others. “those love people” His analogy telling: bride wearing lovely necklace brides themselves copies, beauty.30 thanksgivings sees deceased glory responds, “It greatest joy.” Therefore, scribe concludes, “if loves gift, belongs just God. someone receives royal messenger, possesses gets value else directly king’s hand.”31Like priest messenger bearing wear necklace, prima inter pares. By resigning text, offers readers edification heavenly rewards, everyone reads gratefully blessed scribes. case, virtual. enters world, words substantively literally sisters’. nearly achieved anonymity craved. single manuscript, copied lost exemplar gives name; others use initial M. parts (extant manuscript) refer name “this virgin” humble handmaid.”32 Such attenuated, indeed compatible doctrine annihilation.References annihilating appear times twice verb annihilare medieval generally, synonym “destroy”; specialized sense, merger disappearance rare 1290s.33 examined here—Mechthild’s Libro, Marguerite’s Mirouer—are employ uses term, might expect, context union: “Then Love Soul: ‘Enter joy your Lord’ 25.21]. With Soul totally rapt Just drop water wine changed wholly wine, passed spirit him [1 Cor. 6.17]. annihilated herself.”34 Reinforcing Bernard’s famous annihilatio describes ecstatic loses self-awareness, remaining conscious Robert Lerner showed ago, image De diligendo Deo favor thirteenth- mystics, despite occasional suspicions heresy, Jean Gerson’s disapproval fifteenth century quashed it.35 simile used convey state heaven:36 “Just small lose itself completely, taste color … necessary affection saints melt away ineffable poured Otherwise anything remains man? substance remain, form, glory, power.”37Both mixed liquids theology. undoubtedly thinking moment Mass adds chalice consecration. “Grant us,” prays, “by mystery divinity [Christ], humbled himself our humanity.”38 prayer allegorizes ancient custom diluting strong water, interpreting nature—Christ’s own, mingled inseparably divinity. metaphor, happens happen heaven. extension, may earth moments union. Annihilatio emerges context, case scholastic Commentaries Peter Lombard’s Sentences often pursue body confected: simply annihilated?39 Aquinas Bonaventure, 1250s, conclude not. unfitting annihilate creature sacrament designed enhance destroy itself, cease be, “transmuted better substance.”40 Thomas similarly defines transubstantiation conversion, rather annihilation, substance.41 Nevertheless, fashion, theologians assert proposition mean deny, entertaining length Christ. see mystic, describing either beatitude, combine concern transubstantiated bread. perhaps-annihilated Christ.The steeped piety, thought unknown them.42 example, celebrates reception heaven explores disputed whether certain problematic souls saved.43 borrowed term contemporary theology, Dominican preachers. union, annihilata, annihilata se. Ceasing “in herself,” passes “into God,” losing bread.Annihilatio recurs dying. agony prolonged, dying times, lingers. keeping vigil friend’s deathbed, understands reason: “would assumed strength utterly consumed power, jug wine. Then, putting off insipidity nature, plunged abyss blessedness deserve 6.17].”44 passage strikingly earlier text union; citation 6.17, annihilare, promise perfect divine. These parallels reveal foretaste hereafter, “plunged blessedness.” Metaphors abyss, shown, linked discourse annihilatio.45The Liber’s fullest celestial, deifying actually fleshes meant annihilatio.When righteous leaves body, free sin deserves enter mysteries once, penetrates power departs. He senses eye sees, light beauty sees. Thus, wonderful joyful beholds himself, soul. ear hears dulcet words—words caress beyond maternal affection; harmony saints. smell breath, breathing divine, life-giving surpasses fragrance perfumes forever. taste, savors fully praises heart, delighting making glad, enjoying delights pleasure. movement limbs: everything does, fulfilled saints: “God shall all” 15.28].46This lyrical returns Deo, source all,” remain man. Every faculty transformed object glorified perception, subject hears, praises, enjoys remark (whom knew Marie de Valenciennes). “almost incredible subtlety,” opined 1401, scarcely loftier fruition led astray pride passionate love, erred pilgrims earth.47 short, language possession perfectly orthodox suspect other—though, Lerner’s point, flew beneath radar. No taint heterodoxy ever touched collective project.One further aspect attention. complete deifying, because, coinherence, beings united “one One,” Meister Eckhart say. Nor perceive soul: “beholds soul.” fewer times. focuses joys heaven—and here Benedictine roots. sight greets days; engaged exchange earth. Community, profoundly important hereafter. result mystics) loss identity, remembrance. That, finally, “annihilating union” conceived writing. credit pleased gratiae, bear name. she, saint, side death, “I increases praise, bring neighbors. Indeed, church, read illumined knowledge.”48The house style. spacious, unhurried Latin, weighted superlatives, sweetened iterations dulcis suavis verge sentimental. Within impossible stylistic grounds tell sections anonymous or, matter, tiny part hand.49 stylistically piece (book 2), (books 3–5). Despite anxiety overall tone confident, apologizing works) inadequacy language. “is compariso
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