Gendered Violence: Castration and Blinding as Punishment for Treason in Normandy and Anglo-Norman England
Klaus van Eickels
The use of castration as a punishment for treason and other forms misdemeanour was specific trait the Norman realms medieval Europe. In post-Carolingian kingdoms France, Germany Italy, it rarely practised only known sexual crimes. Scandinavia, Normandy, Anglo-Norman England Sicily, however, blinding were regarded an appropriate equivalent death penalty. particular emphasis on masculinity implied in construction noble honour, rendered warrior's body particularly vulnerable. Since his testicles prerequisite social existence, they became legitimate point attack whenever ruler felt betrayed decided to force against enemies. This gendered violence constituted constantly renewed frame reference, which defined political power male reinforced notion that authority required fully functional masculine body.
Gender & History