The ministry of Gerold d’Avranches: warrior-saints and knightly piety on the eve of the First Crusade
James B. MacGregor
During the 1070s, a priest named Gerold told men and boys serving Earl of Chester edifying stories about warrior–saints. Gerold’s activities are often seen as indicative role played by clergy in constructing militant knightly piety that emerged on eve First Crusade. A critical analysis career, however, demonstrates he himself was not an advocate this aggressive new piety. Rather than promote prowess, used warrior-saints models humility order to convince contemporary warriors renounce world become monks.
Journal of Medieval History