Voyage of St. Brendan and Matilda and Adeliza of Louvain
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Title
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages
Abstract
The Anglo-Norman Voyage of St. Brendan, penned by cleric Benedeit and dating to the first quarter of the twelfth century, belongs to the popular literary tradition surrounding the early Irish monastic Saint Brendan of Clonfert (c. 484–577 CE). Comprising 1840 lines, it has proved linguistically essential in scholarly study of early Anglo-Norman. One facet of its literary historical significance lies in its place among the first narrative poems composed in French octosyllabic couplets. Another lies in its patronage history, with one dedication clearly attributable to Adeliza of Louvain (1103–1151), second wife of Henry I (c. 1068–1135), and one manuscript witness instead dedicated to Henry’s first wife, Matilda of Scotland (1080–1118). Correspondingly, through both dedications, the text is a significant artifact attesting to women’s literate culture and influence.
DOI
10.1007/978-3-030-76219-3_104-1
Publication Date
7-2025
Recommended Citation
Elmes, Melissa Ridley, "Voyage of St. Brendan and Matilda and Adeliza of Louvain" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 751.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/751