Whitening and Demonizing the Saracen Woman in Medieval French Epic Garland

The Saracen woman is a complex and evolving figure in medieval French epic garland. She is often depicted as a beautiful and desirable object of desire, but she is also frequently demonized as a treacherous and evil temptress. This article explores the complex and evolving representation of Saracen women in medieval French epic garland. It argues that these representations were shaped by a variety of factors, including the political and religious tensions of the time, as well as the prevailing cultural norms and values.

Sheba's Daughters: Whitening and Demonizing the Saracen Woman in Medieval French Epic (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities Book 2077)

by Mary Devey

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	842 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	364 pages
Paperback	:	130 pages
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.33 x 8.27 inches

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The Saracen as the Enemy

The Saracen was a common enemy of the Franks in the Middle Ages. They were seen as a threat to both the Christian faith and the Frankish kingdom. This was due in part to the fact that the Saracens were Muslims, and the Franks were Christians. The two religions were often seen as incompatible, and the Saracens were seen as a threat to the Christian way of life.

In addition to their religious differences, the Saracens were also seen as a political threat to the Frankish kingdom. The Saracens had conquered a large amount of territory in the Middle East and North Africa, and they were seen as a potential threat to the Frankish kingdom. This was especially true after the Saracens defeated the Visigoths in the Battle of Poitiers in 732 AD.

The Saracen Woman as a Sex Object

Despite the fact that the Saracens were seen as a threat to the Frankish kingdom, Saracen women were often depicted as beautiful and desirable objects of desire. This was due in part to the fact that Saracen women were often seen as being more exotic and sensual than Frankish women. They were often described as having dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. They were also often depicted as being wearing revealing clothing.

The beauty of Saracen women was often used to justify the violence that was committed against them. In the Song of Roland, for example, the Saracen princess Aude is described as being "more beautiful than any flower." However, she is also described as being a "traitor" and a "heathen." This duality of beauty and evil is a common theme in the representation of Saracen women in medieval French epic garland.

The Saracen Woman as a Demon

In addition to being depicted as beautiful and desirable objects of desire, Saracen women were also often demonized as treacherous and evil temptresses. This was due in part to the fact that Saracen women were often seen as being associated with the devil. In the Song of Roland, for example, the Saracen princess Aude is described as being "the devil's daughter." This association with the devil made Saracen women seem even more dangerous and threatening.

The demonization of Saracen women was also used to justify the violence that was committed against them. In the Song of Roland, for example, the Saracen princess Aude is killed by Roland after she tries to seduce him. This act of violence is justified by the fact that Aude is seen as being a threat to the Christian faith.

The representation of Saracen women in medieval French epic garland is a complex and evolving one. They are often depicted as beautiful and desirable objects of desire, but they are also frequently demonized as treacherous and evil temptresses. This duality of beauty and evil is a reflection of the complex and contradictory attitudes that the Franks had towards the Saracens. They were seen as a threat to the Christian faith and the Frankish kingdom, but they were also seen as being beautiful and desirable. This duality of attitudes is reflected in the representation of Saracen women in medieval French epic garland.

Sheba's Daughters: Whitening and Demonizing the Saracen Woman in Medieval French Epic (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities Book 2077)

by Mary Devey

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	842 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	364 pages
Paperback	:	130 pages
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.33 x 8.27 inches

FREE