medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear colleagues,
Since closet medieval-religionists are being gently invited to out themselves, I
had better admit that I have been silent member of this list for a while. And
since confession seems to be in order, I also admit that I am not a medievalist
at all, but a modernist. I work mainly in the field of 19th-20th century Italian
narrative.
I do however have an amateur interest in St Francis of Assisi, about whom I now
have a query.
The early sources often refer to his poor health in youth. They also make much
of his aspirations to knighthood. Since one would hardly mount a horse and ride
off to battle without some preparation, he would presumably have learned to
control his horse while wearing armour and trained in the use of weapons. Apart
from suggesting that at that stage he had fully absorbed the values of
contemporary society, he must also have been fairly robust. In what respect,
then, was his health so fragile? What weapon training did he undergo?
Tounaments? The Franciscan sources (not surprisingly) have nothing to say about
his training to slaughter people.
Best wishes,
Brian
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