medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
I had always "heard" that all that remained of Joan was her heart,
and that all remains were thrown into a river.
George Bernard Shaw certainly uses this tradition in his play "Saint Joan"
(last scene)
Wasn't this part of the point of burning at the stake, to prevent any body
parts remaining and so
a) preventing anyone collecting relics and
b) depriving the deceased of a chance of bodily resurrection on the Last
Day.
(The other part was to provide a grim, protracted and painful death to
discourage anyone who might be tempted to similar acts / beliefs.)
BMC
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