Gender and Religion in the Life of an Unconventional Countess: Ermengard of Brittany (c.1070-1147)

ABSTRACT:

Gender and Religion in the Life of an Unconventional Countess:

Ermengard of Brittany (c.1070-1147)

Amy Livingstone

H.O. Hirt Professor of History

Wittenberg University

             Recent feminist scholarship has investigated how gender afforded medieval aristocratic women opportunities for forging important relationships with the clergy and formative roles in the church. This paper will examine how gender both shaped and empowered Countess Ermengard's interactions with the church and religious experience.

Ermengard lived during a time of spiritual renewal and reform (c.1070-1147). As countess of Brittany, she was uniquely placed to advocate for reform by participating in church councils and corresponding with clerics. Additionally, as mother and wife, Ermengard also had considerable influence over her husband and son, which she used to garner their support for reforming the Breton church. In addition to advocating for reform, her gender placed her in the role of peacemaker between secular/sacred powers and monastic communities.   

But Ermengard also had an unconventional streak. She was deeply attracted to the new forms of spirituality and sought to dedicate her life to God. Yet each time Ermengard entered the cloister, she abandoned the church to return to the world. Moreover, this countess combined her Christian faith with semi-magical or folk-practices when she pleaded with the saints to save her dying child. Because of the respect that she enjoyed as a patron, intercessor and negotiator -- roles that were the byproduct of her gender-- I will argue that Ermengard enjoyed a degree of flexibility which allowed her to explore her spirituality.