Humor
Family Over Everything
“I have already invited him to stay overnight,” said Vigdis, “and I have no intention of going back on my word, even though he isn’t everybody’s friend.” […]
Gender
History
The Age of Eleanor
“When the king had returned home, together with his wife, branded with the ignominy of not having accomplished his design, their former affection began, by degrees, to grow cold; and causes of dissension arose between them. The queen was highly offended at the behavior of the king, and asserted that she had married a monk, and not a monarch.” […]
Humor
A Scoundrel of the Highest Order
“He nervously toiled and schemed how he might enter the castle, taking various disguises as sometimes on horse, sometimes on foot, he pretended to be a jongleur or prostitute.” […]
Human Affairs
Treacherous Love in the Medieval World
“Am I to have a husband? How can I accept him? I am no longer a virgin; I shall be a servant all my days. I never realized that things would turn out this way.” […]
Human Affairs
A Icelandic Marital Spat
“You have a choice – either you take me in and act as if nothing has happened or I will call witnesses this minute, divorce you and have my father reclaim my bride-price and my dowry. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about my taking up room in your bed ever again.” […]
Human Affairs
A Knight Begs for Sex
“He kissed her and henceforth was at peace. They lay together and talked, kissing and embracing. May the final act, which others are accustomed to enjoy, give them pleasure.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Empress’ Scandalous Past
“When they wearied of the sport, she would approach their servants, perhaps thirty in number, and fight a duel with each of these; and even thus found no allayment of her craving.” […]
Human Affairs
The Disrespect of Marie de France
“But just because spiteful tittle-tattlers attempt to find fault with me, I do not intend to give up.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Origin of the Amazons
“They appointed a day for meeting once in every year, so that when they should return to the same place on that day in the following year each mother might give over to the father whatever male child she had borne, but should herself keep and train for warfare whatever children of the female sex were born.” […]
Human Affairs
Skiers of the Medieval World
“Therefore the women join the chase with the same swiftness as the men, perhaps even greater.” […]