Muirenn ingen meic Martainn

Challenges Entered: Stretch that Comfort Zone, Mistress Alys's Research Challenge, Along the Trail of the Third Crusade, Wool Applique Cushion

Projects: Brother William's 12th century French Reliquary bag & prayer beads, Wool Applique Cushion, The Battle of Tara

Brother William was born Jean-Luc Gerrard on a profitable farm in the Picardy region of Hauts de France. The year was 1169. He was the middle son born to forward thinking and religious parents, who encouraged their son to study the Word of God.

In 1185, Jean-Luc felt the calling to join Corbie Abbey, a monastery near his home, under Abbott Hugues I de Pérone, He asked for the religious name of William, as he had great admiration for Saint William of Gellone. Monks can ask for a name when they enter the monastery, but the Abbott assigns the name to them. The Abbot agreed and granted the name of William.

Brother William showed much potential in the arts of healing and caring for the sick. The Holy Mother appeared to William in a dream. In his dream, She took him to a hospital and admonished him to “care for them in My Name.” Brother William was able to fulfill this commission in 1189 when he was able to join the Knights Hospitallers as a simple priest. While Brother William had little to contribute, his father and home parish made a pledge to supply an annual contribution on his behalf. He soon found himself in a hospital in Jerusalem, caring for all manner of the sick and wounded.

Brother William would have used prayer beads for his prayers. Monks would recite 150 Psalms as their daily devotion. Prayer beads were used to help keep track of where one was in the recitation. These were typically 50 beads ties onto a woolen cord. (Father Joseph, The Prayer Rope) Some monastic orders would wear their beads, some carried them in bags. Later, when the “Our Father” became part of the daily devotions, these beads were often called Pater Nosters. As the devout became more committed to daily devotions, yet were unable to read or memorize all the Psalms, the Rosary became a form of prayer beads to aid in the recitation of religious prayer and meditation. (Rosary: History of the Term, University of Dayton; Saunders, The History of the Rosary; Rudden, A Brief History of the Rosary)

While it was not common, there were simple priests in Orders such as the Knights Hospitallers and Knights Templar. Hospitals were established to care for the sick, the wounded, and the dying, (James, W., A Templar Chronicle of the Third Crusade: Origin and Transmission; Porges, W., The Clergy, the Poor, and the Non-Combatants on the First Crusade).

Brother William had surrendered all his worldly possessions upon entering God’s service, but he was allowed to keep an embroidered linen bag made by his youngest sister in which he kept his prayer beads when they were not upon his person. He treasured the bag almost as much as his beads. His sister made the bag especially when he joined the Knights Hospitallers. I offer to you this bag and Brother William’s treasured prayer beads.

People made pilgrimages to holy sites as part of the veneration of their religious beliefs. Often a Pilgrim would collect a memento of this trip, such as a pilgrim’s badge. If the Pilgrim had the financial means, they might collect a relic of a saint. A relic could be any item connected to a saint such as a part of a piece of clothing or even a part of the body of the saint. These relics were highly prized and often housed in very precious containers. (Arm Reliquary, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; M. McLaughlin, Arm Reliquary: Journey from Divine to Fine Art,).

A Reliquary bag was a frequent item to contain relics or mementos of such a pilgrimage. Most pilgrims used a reliquary bag. These bags took many forms and were sometimes called alms purses. Such bags might also contain prayer beads, paternosters or religious readings like a prayer book. (T Kelly, Aumonieres, otherwise known as alms purses).

Reliquary bags came in all shapes, sizes, and materials. There are at least two reliquaries shaped as arms constructed of hammered silver and adorned with jewels. (Metropolitan Museum of Art; McLaughlin). St Stephen’s Burse is encrusted with precious jewels. (K. Schluterman, The Meaning Behind the Appearance of the St. Stephen’s Burse Reliquary). Some were constructed of more simple materials such as leather, linen, wool, or silk. (Kelly; Reliquary Bag, The Cleveland Museum of Art). Because William would have surrendered all his worldly belongings, the bag would have been made of linen.

I chose black even weave linen for the construction of the bag and embroidered the equal arm cross of the Knights Hospitallers in white silk. The bag is lined in black linen. I was inspired for the form of the cross by “grafitti” found at the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta. At the time of the 3rd Crusade, the cross had not evolved into the angled V shape arms most associate with the Knights Hospitallers. At the time of the 3rd Crusade, it would have been the simple equal arm cross seen in the graffiti and in the stitching. (M. Foster, History of the Maltese Cross, as used by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem)

References

Arm Reliquary, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464334

Reliquary Bag, The Cleveland Museum of Art, https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1974.101

Foster, M., History of the Maltese Cross, as used by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Retrieved April 14, 2021 from www.lished.org/History/history_of_the_maltese_cross.htm

James, W., “A Templar Chronicle of the Third Crusade: Origins and Transmission”, Medium Aevum 81 (1) 126-124 Retrieved March 28, 2021 from http://www.jstor.org/stable/43632903

Joseph, Father, The Prayer Rope, Retrieved March 26, 2021 from orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/comboschini.aspx

Kelly, T., Aumonieres, otherwise known as alms purses, Retrieved November 24, 2020 from cottesimple.com/articles/aumonieres

McLaughlin,M., Arm Reliquary: Journey from Divine to Fine Art. Retrieved November 24, 2020 from https;//medievalartus.ace.fordham.edu/exhibits/show/arm-reliquary/arm-reliquary-essay

Porges, W., “The Clergy, the Poor, and the Non-combatants on the First Crusade”. Speculum 21(1) 1-23 doi:10.2307/2856833

Schluterman, K., The Meaning Behind the Appearance of the St. Stephen’s Burse Reliquary Retrieved November 24, 2020 from uafs,edu>fdiles>reliquary-symposium-paper-final.

Rudden, D., A Brief History of the Rosary Retrieved March 28, 2021 from mqhca.org/wp/contents/uploads/2017/05/primary-parent_Rosary.pdf

Saunders, Father W., The History of the Rosary Retrieved from https;//www.ewtn.com/catholcism/library/history-of-the-Rosary-1142

Wool Applique Cushion

The challenge: A reading cushion, pin pillow or similar project of appliqued wool in the style of the 14th Century Tristan hanging.

A book of hours was used by the devout to guide their daily devotions.The book would have hourly prayers and scripture references. These books became very popular as more believers became literate and were able to read the Holy Book for themselves. An early surviving example dates from 1240, and their popularity remains today. (Stein, W. 2017; Roten, J. 2021).

I chose to applique a book cover for a Book of Hours. I chose a book by Thomas Merton as the Book of Hours. I was in awe of a stained glass window depicting an Agnus Dei, so I adapted the artwork. The artwork was used with the artist’s permission. The Agnus Dei represents the Lamb of God which was often used to picture Christ as the Lamb of God. A 4 equal armed cross was often part of the picture and represents the 4 rivers in Paradise. (Stracke, R. 2016 ; Wilson, R. 2021)

I have little experience with applique, and none with couching. So my first project was a stylized version of my Barony’s device. I totally messed up the whip stitching. I also did not understand how to do the couching, so it needs help. This is a needle book for my Baroness. It is wool applique with metallic threads for the whip stitching, gold thread for the couching, and silk thread for the couching stitches.

My second project was a book cover for an advent book of hours. I did much better with the whip stitches, but still need more practice with the couching. It is wool applique with linen thread for the whip stitching, gold couching thread, and silk thread for the couching stitches.

My final project, and submission for the challenge, is a book cover for a book of hours. It is wool applique with linen thread for the whip stitching, gold couching thread, and silk thread for the couching stitches. I did not make the paternoster in the picture. However, paternosters appeared in the 11th Century as an aide for the devout petitioner to keep track of prayers and recite Scripture. (Gilbert, R. 2021; Historic Enterprises, 2021). I am not pleased with the halo, I should have used a circle instead of a crescent.

Art Work

Agnus Dei. Stained glass window by Tim McClure. Used with the artist’s permission. http://www.c;assidglassstudion.com/Gallery/ShowcaseMcClure.asp

References

Gilbert, Rosalie. Medieval Woman Paternosters and Rosaries. Retrieved on 5-14-2021 from https://rosaliegilbert.com/paternosters.html .

Historic Enterprises. Paternosters, chaplets, rosaries.. Retrieved on 5-14-2021 from https://historicenterprises.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=102_237 .

Stein, Wendy. The Book of Hours: A Medieval Bestseller. Retrieved on 5/13/2021 from https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hour/hd_hour.htm.

Stracke, Richard. Lambs, Sheep, and Shepherds Symbols of Christ and Christians. Retrieved on 5/13/2021 from https://www.christianiconography.info/lambOfGod.gamma.html.

Rotan, Johan. The Book of Hours and Our Lady. Retrieved on 5/13/2021 from https://udayton.eduy/imir/mary/b/book-of-hours-and-mary.php.

Wilson, Ralph. Lamb of God Agnus Dei Artwork and Paintings. Retrieved on 5/13/2021 from http://www.jesuswalk.com/lamb.

The Battle of Tara: For Mistress Alys’s Research Challenge to identify an historical event that your person would have lived through.

The Battle of Tara was the historical event that would have affected my historical character. The Battle of Tara was fought in 980 between the Norse who had settled in Dublin and the Southern Ui Neill clan combined with the army of Mael Sechnaill mac Domnaill. The Norse were defeated and driven from Dublin. It was considered an important battle in the downfall of the Norse invaders, with the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 being the final victory of the Irish over the invaders. (Britannica Online, Battle of Clontarf; Irish History, The Battle of Tara)

My persona is a 10th century Irish woman who was the eldest daughter of a well to do farmer. Her name is Muirenn. She had progressive parents who allowed all their children an education, so Muirenn could read and write. She spent time with the local parish priest, who would let her read to him from his books including the Bible.

Her father’s farm was raided by Norse invaders in 978. Her father, mother, brothers, and most of the farm hands were killed. She caught the eye of one of the marauders, Ulfr, who kept her as a slave and a gift for his wife. The farmland, livestock, and buildings were given to Ulfr, who wanted to settle down and farm. Ulfr sent for his wife, Thyri, and their children. Muirenn was given to Thyri as a maid and a wet nurse since Muirenn bore a stillborn child after the attack.

After the Battle of Tara, Ulfr decided to send his family back home to safety. The Dublin Vikings were recruiting for a stronger army and Ulfr knew he would be expected to join the fight. He had grown tired of fighting and really just wanted to return home. Because of the defeat at the Battle of Tara, the Norse living in Ireland would rebuild an army to regain the lost territory and pride. Because her captors wanted to return home instead of join the fight, Muirenn would be uprooted from her homeland.

Muirenn had been given a journal book from the priest and these are some of her entries as she is forced to join the family for the return trip to Norse lands.

It is late in the evening and my chores are done. It must be Sunday because Father Liam called and gave me a bit of bread and a sip from his cup. This is what passes now for Holy Communion.

Mistress is not well after giving birth to a young son, Gildi. My milk is still strong, so he will be fed. I must admit that I have grown to care for the children. Young Master Agnarr can count 12 years now and Miss Solveigh can count 10. Brandr counts 8 and Gudrun 6.

The Master and Mistress do not know that I understand their language. I have overheard them talking about a great battle on the Hill of Tara. The Irish defeated the Invaders and I rejoiced inside. It is not likely to change my situation, but it will ease some in Dublin Town.

I overheard the Master speaking to the Mistress while I was feeding Gildi. He says there is to be more fighting and that the Invaders are raising an army. From how he spoke, I don’t think he is anxious to join this horde. I didn’t understand all the words, but I caught words that sounded like a boat journey.

The moon is at its fullest and there was more talk of fighting tonight. Some visitors came to speak with Master and I waited on them at table. Master talked as if he was eager to fight. The visitors were kind to Brandr, telling him how soon he would be old enough to join in the fighting. Mistress was too upset to finish the meal and retired early.

Mistress told me that she and the children are to return home to their family lands! I am to go with them! I am heart sick at the thought of leaving my childhood home. But if I stay, I am certain to suffer a worse position. I cannot be sure that I would stay with Master Ulfr. I could even be killed or sold to another. Mistress spoke of another woman who will join us for the journey.

Plans have happened quickly and we have started to prepare for the journey. Mistress is in good spirits at the thought of returning to her family. Master is talking about leaving to join the Invaders before the family is to set sail.

Master has left! He said good-bye to the children and told Brandr that he is the head of the family for the journey. It has seemed to make Brandr feel more important. He was very angry that he could not join in the fighting. Mistress retired to her sleeping place, but she shed no tears.

The woman, Asleif, has joined us. She stays quite apart from the rest of us and only speaks to the Mistress. She is a stout woman, which I hope will serve well for the journey. I have spent little time in a boat and am not looking forward to crossing the vast sea.

We are traveling quietly in the shadow of the dark of the moon. Brother Liam is to travel with us to the port. I hope this means he is going along. I will miss him and have no one to speak my language. I will have to reveal my understanding of their words.

We are on the boat. Brother Liam seemed to make friends with Asleif and was allowed to join us. I am relieved to have a friend along.e seems to understand sailing.

The sea journey is miserable. I know little of boats. One small joy is the beauty of the waxing moon on the waves at night. Food is cooked in a brasier in the center of the boat. We have some fresh meat killed just as we left and a few chickens.

The sea is rough and many are sick from the waves.

Mistress spoke directly to me in the Norse tongue. Without thinking, I answered her in like. I was terrified, but she only smiled. She said she will teach me their letters, but I already know many of them. I have been teaching Brandr how to write.

Master Brandr has written a verse in the Norse style:

Njoror’s steed, strong and supple to safely carry us

We look to Norge with shores of promise and shelter

When Thor wields Moljnir the steed fights the sea mane of white

And when Thor is calm we gaze upon Nott’s lights

We have made landfall. The Mistress is most happy and the children are excited to see their other family. I am worried that I will not be needed and will lose my life.

We are at the family’s farmstead. I have been accepted as a family member, not a servant! Mistress told me to call them by their given names, and gave me a piece of bread and some salt in a small earthen container. I remember from my time with them that an offer of bread and salt is a symbol of welcome. Mistress gifted me with a lovely carved comb for my hair, and the children gave me a pair of scissors. My lodgings are most comfortable. I have suspicions about Aslief. I think she is an impostor.

Aslief left in the dead of the night. The children seem happy that she is gone and Brother Liam tells me to bide my time and hold my tongue.

Master had returned! I caught Brother Liam alone and told him of my suspicions. He laughed and told me how quick I was. I was right, Aslief was the Master and the ruse allowed him to return home with his family.

References

Britannica Online Encyclopedia. The Battle of Clontarf. Retrieved 3-22-2021 from https://www.britannica.com/print/article.122075.

History of Ireland. The Battle of Tara. Retrieved 3-22-2021 from https://www.battleofclontarf.net/the-battle-of-clontarf---23rd-april-1014/the-battle-of-tara/3475.