Die Deutschen: Hildegard von Bingen | Ganze Folge Terra X

In the 12th century, a woman rebels. We will go. - What are you really imagining? Hildegard von Bingen is called “the German prophetess.” She is the most famous German of the Middle Ages. Doctor, visionary and manager. Solemn music In the autumn of 1147 Pope Eugene III arrived. personally to the German Empire. It is said that he wants to decide the fate of a nun, Hildegard. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name to us... she claims to be the trumpet of God. What presumption! And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The woman is possessed by the devil! - She is chosen by God. She blasphemes against God. Prophetess of God or mouthpiece of the devil? Hildegard's fate depends on the Pope's word. The empire at the beginning of the 12th century. A time of departure and renewal. After a century-long cold period, the climate is warmer and drier. The more pleasant climate provides greater yields in the fields and improves the nutrition of the five million inhabitants of the empire. By the end of the century there will be ten million. Most of them settle on rivers, especially along the Rhine.

The centers of Cologne, Speyer and Mainz flourish here. Not far from this episcopal city, a girl named Hildegard was born in 1098. Contemplative music she is the youngest of ten siblings. Her parents run a mansion. (woman) There you are! The jug has been empty for a long time. (Man) I'm leaving. But please hurry. Hildchen, are you dreaming again? I'll show you how to turn. You have to be able to do it later. Your master will require that you be able to instruct the maids. Mister? Yes. Who is my lord? You will see. Hildegard was noble. That was one or two percent of society.

But these women still had few options. Her choice was to marry, which was based on family interests, not love, or go to a monastery. We know little about women in the Middle Ages. The empresses are better known, such as Theophanus, wife of Otto II, or Beatrice of Burgundy, whom her husband Frederick Barbarossa admired. Most of the women remain nameless. They spend their lives between the countryside and their family. Due to the high mortality rate during childbirth, a German woman in the Middle Ages rarely lived to half her current age. A predetermined path... or so it seems.

But something happens that takes Hildegard's life in different directions. Her vitae says: "I saw a light so great that my soul trembled," "but because of my childishness I could get nothing out of it." From now on she is accompanied by inexplicable images and visions. Are they signs from heaven? Faith is the center of life throughout the empire. At that moment, the love of God is more important than family love. The Creator is omnipresent, day and night, in everyday life and on holidays, with children and the elderly. Religious music The fear of purgatory is as widespread as the fear of deadly diseases is today.

Anyone who dies without the blessing of the Church is convinced that he will burn in hell for all eternity. Only those who live a pious life will be accepted into paradise. Hildegard's parents have decided that her daughter will live a life entirely for God. On All Saints' Day 1112 she was accepted into the Benedictine monastery of Disibodenberg in southern Hunsrück. Singing in Latin From now on, the abbot will determine her path in life. This is our daughter Hildegard. She wants to serve the Lord. May the Lord test this girl and accept her as a sacrifice. We accept you, Hildegard.

Please the Lord and obey him. Today a new stage of life begins for you. And now say goodbye to each other. (Mother) Pray for us. Goodbye, my daughter. Now go away. There is no contact with the outside world. A life of total isolation begins. At least that's what tradition says. But it was not like that. We have to abstract from our perspective that the monastery was a prison or something where women were in a very strict enclosure. This only developed after Hildegard's death. Hildegard is not alone. With her from the beginning is Jutta von Sponheim, a pious scholar, eight years older than her child.

Who should I be afraid of? The Lord gives me confidence. So who should she be afraid of? The two will spend 25 years together in the monastery. More and more young girls are joining. They pray and study. A small convent of noble women is created. Prayer It was during these quiet years that Hildegard must have acquired most of her extraordinary education. She remains an obedient nun who submits to her superior, Magistra Jutta. She may dwell in the house of the Lord for a long time. Amen. Religious music Legally, women are subordinate to the male monastery of Disibodenberg.

More than 80 monks live here. Except for occasional visits, they are strictly separated from the women. The bells ring In Disibodenberg, the ruins are still an impressive sight today. The archbishop of Mainz had the monastery considerably expanded. You can still see part of the original function: remains of the library and classrooms. The small church, where the women's hermitage was probably located. A gigantic oven that could provide bread for up to 100 people. And the remains of the hospice for the sick, built 100 years after Hildegard. Monasteries determine spiritual and economic life. They are the largest companies. Their lands cover entire regions.

Some abbots are more powerful than princes and dukes. They depend directly on the Roman-German emperor and not on the sovereigns. But their greatest importance: they create culture. Religious institutions have a monopoly on education. This is where knowledge is acquired and disseminated. Centuries before the invention of the printing press, every book had to be written or copied by hand. Tens of thousands of Germans spend their lives in monasteries. Prayer They live according to the rule established by Benedict of Nursia, the father of European monasticism, in the 6th century. His daily life consists of praying and working. Ora et labora.

The day is divided into so-called choral prayer: seven-word services between dawn and dusk. That requires discipline. But how to be punctual? The Middle Ages does not know time. You don't need them because there are no precise dates. The length of the schedule depends on the start of the day. Twelve hours of equal duration are counted. And so, in the dark winter, an hour is only 40 minutes. Time is measured with sundials for the day or water clocks for the night. The hourglass was invented in Hildegard's time. It is filled with ground eggshells, hence the name stopwatch. Due to the pious need to respect day and night prayer times, the first mechanical clocks later appeared in monasteries and monasteries.

The Benedictine monastery of Disibodenberg is one of the most modern facilities of its time. Parts of the stone pipes that supply the monastery with fresh water from filter cisterns have been preserved. When Hildegard moved to Disibodenberg in 1112, she ended up on a construction site. Little by little the monks build a church 30m wide and 52m long. Almost as big as Mainz Cathedral. Living rooms and utility rooms are created. A small town that has everything a community needs, including the protection of a powerful monastery wall. In a double monastery, such as Disibodenberg, great importance is attached to the spatial separation between the sexes.

Contemplative music More than platonic relationships with the monastery's male residents are strictly prohibited. The renunciation of all physical pleasures must free the spirit for the closeness of God. The flagellation of the body is intended to evoke the flagellation of Christ. This is how Hildegard's superior, Jutta von Sponheim, understands her faith. Whipping Painful moans Jutta von Sponheim is not an isolated case. The years at the beginning of the 12th century were marked by a widespread religious boom. The masses were captivated by the idea of ​​religious reform and hundreds of reformist monasteries and monasteries were founded at that time.

This leads to competition between different directions. And it leads to a flagrant radicalization of these movements. Sinister Music It is also the time of the Crusades. Thousands of Europeans fight for Christian supremacy in the Holy Land. Stroke! The dark musician Jutta von Sponheim dies in 1136. Her sisters prepare to wash the corpse. They discover a penance belt that the superior used to punish herself for years. Dark music You have to see it. The Lord does not want us to destroy our bodies. I think that, on the one hand, it was a trauma for young Hildegard. That led her to say to herself, "I don't want that." "I don't want to burden people with asceticism and burden them with burdens they cannot bear." I think a core of human theology and Hildegard's worldview arose here, in the separation of her from her teacher.

Hildegard becomes Jutta's successor as Mistress of Women. She has now lived in Disibodenberg for almost four decades, that is, a generation. Try these berries, sister. No, thanks. They're delicious. No. At an age when women had finished living, Hildegard's career was just beginning. Sisters, soon we will plant a larger and more beautiful garden. We must be content with what the Lord has given us. Yes, let us be humble, Magistra. You thank the Lord for his wonderful creation. But you don't notice them. Look what great things the Lord has given us. There is still much to discover. Indulgence is a sin, Magistra.

Don't you understand that? No, I don't want to understand that. Contemplative music Breathe and savor the miracles of the Lord. During that time, Hildegard must have acquired an amazing knowledge of nature, especially the plants around her. These are probably the years in which the foundations of the writings that establish Hildegard's fame to this day were created. She collects and interprets the knowledge of the time about medicinal herbs and foods. But she also deals with animals and even stones. "Causae et Curae" - the book of diseases and their cures. And "Physica" is the source of her medical prescriptions.

Hildegard's medical knowledge is legendary to this day. The monastic medicine research group at the University of Würzburg wants to revive the healing knowledge of the Middle Ages. In Hildegard's writings one always finds "new" ancient active ingredients. Hildegard occupies a truly exceptional position because she combines religious and theological ideas with medical and popular ideas. This mixture is unique, even in monastic medicine. In 1140, four years after becoming a magistrate, Hildegard decided to reveal her lifelong secret. She claims to have visions and see wonderful things. Visions? And what the hell does she see? The perception of her is constantly changing, says Hildegard.

And she receives revelations from heaven. "When she was 42 years and seven months old, I saw a strong, fiery light coming from the open heavens." "It flowed through my mind, my heart and my chest completely, like a flame." "But it doesn't burn, it heats up." "She illuminated Me like the sun." "I suddenly had an insight into the meaning and interpretation of the gospel." "The Old and the New Testament." "And a voice from heaven said to me: 'Speak, then, of these wonderful things.'" After weeks of work, she carves her words onto a wax tablet. The parchment would have been too expensive.

Only the clean copy, with the help of a monk and a nun, is transferred to parchment with ink. The "Scivias", translated as "Knowing the ways", is her first writing in which she describes 26 visions. She interprets the history of salvation, the history of creation, redemption and the end of times. She says that the Lord Himself speaks through her mouth. The Word of God through the mouth of a woman? Do you think she is possessed by the devil? The ways of the Lord are unfathomable, brother Vollmar, and he looks upon even the lowest servant of his. But if we really had a clairvoyant in our monastery, that could be useful.

At that time, a monastery was an important economic factor. When a noble nun went to the monastery, she became the wife of Christ and, as it were, brought a dowry to the monastery. Back then they were lands, mills and villages. These things were very important to a monastery and its continued existence. Word spreads about Hildegard's abilities. They make the hitherto unknown monastery famous. For the abbot it is a valuable asset that she can use for profit. But the nun also knows her worth. She attracts wealthy newbies like a magnet. Everyone wants to be taught by the woman who seems to be in direct contact with God.

Sister Hildegard, what does she bring you for me? The Lord himself who guides my ways. The Lord himself, you say? My sisters and I will leave Disibodenberg. God has assigned us a new place. We will found a women's monastery. Do you think I'll let you go? Yeah come on. You have made the vow. The Rule of Benedict requires obedience. The Rule of Benedict is as sacred to me as it is to you, but Benedict always supported the founding of new monasteries. We will go. What are you imagining? The living light that speaks to me has sent it to me.

Hildegard, don't get lost. Not everyone who sees a light is a prophet. You will not go! Hildegard still has to submit. She owes obedience to the abbot. But she has a weapon that no one can use. The power of the world is immune. The door slams shut. The voice of the Most High. God asked them to speak like the Old Testament prophets. Is this a real revelation? Or is it the trick of a woman who otherwise couldn't make his voice heard? Spherical music Modern science is skeptical. He suspects that some of theHildegard's photographs are more of a drug addiction on the part of herbalists.

The nun, for example, described in detail the mandrake, a plant that has always been surrounded by legends. Hildegard knew that the mandrake evoked magical ideas. She writes it herself. She says you have to soak the mandrake in spring water for a day so that the ingredients are absorbed. Only then could one use them internally without deceiving oneself. But did she stand firm herself? Scientific solutions were also sought. Some images are reminiscent of descriptions of migraines, others of so-called halos, light effects unusual in nature. From a religious perspective, visions are a normal way of experiencing reality. In many religions, especially Christianity, direct experiences of God are present from the beginning.

Hildegard wrote two more important works before her death. The "Liber vitae meritorum" and the "Liber divinorum operum". A term is the center of all her writings. “Viriditas” – the green power. It is the central engine that maintains creation, the eternal cycle of growth and decay. Some passages seem to describe the dark sides of our modern era. Time and time again - says the visionary - man intervenes in the cosmos and nature responds with a wild cry. (Hildegarda) "We, the elements, the air, the water, already stink like a plague." "All the winds are full of mold and the air throws up so much filth that people hardly dare to open their mouths." This has little to do with clairvoyance.

You could say that it is due to Hildegard's particular worldview. However, what is crucial is that Hildegard recognized the changes of her times. Environmental pollution is not only a phenomenon of our time. During her time, rivers were also polluted and forests were cut down. That's probably what these phrases point to. You could say that Hildegard was something like the first Green. The old Disibodenberg hermitage has long since become too small. To keep Hildegard, the abbot had a much larger one built, with rooms for servants and a residential tower. The new hermitage has its own entrance through the monastery wall.

Because Hildegard's knowledge also attracts people from the surrounding area. Something small again? Nuns are highly valued as midwives. You will learn many things that do not seem appropriate to pious ears. The eighth, if I counted correctly. Actually the eleventh. The knight immediately took three of them away. My husband and I cannot separate. When we lie together at night, it is hot down here, as if a fire was burning inside me, a huge fire, against which I am defenseless. That's what it feels like when you look up at the sky and the angels ring. Then they sing just for me.

I am light as a feather. And I'm floating on a sea of ​​flowers. No, actually there are many colored lights surrounding me. And so probably she, the nun Hildegard, wrote the first written representation of the female orgasm. ...as hard as if a man squeezed his fist with all his strength. It's very unusual for a woman to write about this in that way. But she always puts it in the context of love. This is also really surprising. Until today, Catholic theology believed that sexuality has mainly to do with reproduction. But she writes about hugs of love. The basis of her theology, God is love, does not exclude the body.

This can certainly be described as modern and contemporary. But she is not a social revolutionary. But she avoided the heat and effort for now. She drinks infusions daily. But I have to continue creating and feeding hungry mouths. Isabel? If only you could accept my daughter as a novice. I told you we can't take her. I'm sorry. Why not? She is a country girl. But she is still a child of God. You are of low rank, we are of nobility. Would you lock oxen, horses, donkeys and sheep in the same stable? Everything is fine as it is.

Hildegard also means it: man must remain in the place where God has placed him. She is against social mobility and the processes of social advancement that she was able to observe well in her time. But the more powerful and well-known she becomes, the stronger the criticism of Hildegard becomes. A rival abbess complained in a harsh letter: "I have heard something unusual." "Your young people are in church on holidays singing psalms with their hair down." Hildegard interprets the rules as she wants. An imposition at a time when any deviation raises suspicion. In Rome they also want to know if ecclesiastical norms are violated in the Disibodenberg. (Man) Open the door.

We are expected. In the fall of 1147, a commission of inquiry arrived at the monastery. The bishop of Verdun must examine the case on behalf of the Pope. What does he hear and see Hildegard in his visions? Will she be able to continue spreading her writings? Exciting Music (Bishop) We've heard strange things about you and we're quite surprised, to say the least. That's why I ask: Could it be that, in your feminine ignorance, you consider your dreams to be visions? No, I don't sleep. I am awake when the light speaks to me. As awake as I am now.

It is said that sometimes one writes in a language that only one can understand. Who gives you these words? The all mighty? Just a meaningless trick, venerable bishop. A trick? The “Lingua Ignota” is probably his most mysterious legacy. Most of the writings of the Wiesbaden Giant Codex are preserved in the Hessian State Library. The expert in medieval writings Michael Embach investigates the Lingua Ignota, the unknown language as the Middle Ages call it. Words from a mysterious language appear on five pages with their translations into Latin and German. (Hildegarda) "Viriscal - the beard." "Malskir - the tooth." "Diueliz - the devil." The surprising thing is that only nouns and noun adjectives are transmitted.

Therefore, all the components of a language that could form grammar and syntax are missing. And that means that this artificial language could not be spoken. The next entry is even stranger. A complete alphabet: strange characters with Latin translation. In this pamphlet Hildegard wrote to the monasteries who were friends of hers. Did they want to transmit secret messages like this? Probably not: historians take a calm view of the matter. I believe that this artificial language sheds light on Hildegard's creativity, on her imagination with which she knew how to handle language. There is an enormous creative act behind that language.

This, of course, deserves all the recognition. Sister Hildegard, aim very high. No, as a humble servant I follow the Lord and proclaim his word. It is not a woman's place to interpret God's Scriptures. But the Lord Himself gave me this task. A light descended from the open sky. It penetrated my mind and set my heart on fire. Suddenly the Scriptures, the Psalters and the Gospels were revealed to me. I have heard enough, venerable abbot. I will inform the holy father. Threatening music Opportunity arises when Eugen III. arrives in Trier. Praise Jesus Christ. (all) Forever, Amen. Let the bishop of Verdun report on the case of this nun.

What did his questioning of the woman reveal? Dark music Is it really from the devil, as they say? For Hildegarda everything is at stake. How will the Pope decide? Does he see her as a saint? Or the heretic? She writes: "On a great mountain sat a man enthroned with light." "...that his glory dazzled my eyes." How do you explain this vision? She claims it is the trumpet of God. Exasperated murmurs. The trumpet of the Almighty? What presumption! Is it really God the Father who expresses himself through them? Then she would be a great prophet. Or does her incarnate person speak about her from her?

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Dramatic choruses she is possessed by the devil! - She is chosen by God. She blasphemes against God. In the name of Almighty God, whose representative I am on earth, I now judge Magistrate Hildegard. The Lord God has done great things with this woman. The devil has no power over them. She was chosen by God and we must listen to her word. This is how the story unfolds in Hildegard's life, which she largely formulated herself. There are no written sources for this. The Vatican was a progressive authority at the time.

They wrote everything. If it had happened that way, it would have been found in the archives. But you don't have that. However, historians agree that during this era, when oral tradition was widespread, the Pope was obviously informed. He verbally stated that he thought the events had been positive. Hildegard, the master of self-expression, turned a good story into an even better one. Papal recognition gives her the power she was waiting for. The abbot of Disibodenberg finally has to let them go. In 1151 Hildegard left the mountain with her nuns. There she spent four decades in the monastery. A lifetime.

And yet, it is only the prelude to the success of the nun Hildegard, later called “von Bingen”. Because she wants to build a new monastery there. For Disibodenberg, the decline begins with the exit. The chronicle of the monastery ends abruptly. Triumphant music Hildegard has achieved her goal. She can leave the province and move to the place where the news currents in the empire converge. The nuns build her monastery in Rupertsberg at the confluence of the Rhine and the Nahe. From now on, Hildegard will also challenge the powerful. In many letters she denounces the impiety of those in power.

He also admonishes the new king Frederick Barbarossa: "...for the blindness of your eyes, which do not see well..." (Hildegard) "For the blindness of your eyes, which do not see how you can govern correctly with the scepter in the hand “You have to endure.” Hildegard begins her second public stage of life. Her CV mentions preaching trips throughout the empire Although today researchers question some of the reports and letters about Hildegard's successes, she met. Barbarossa and his wife once. In 1154, the king placed Rupertsberg in Ingelheim under his personal protection. From now on he will be responsible only to Barbarossa and Hildegard von Bingen dies at the then fabulous age of 80.

They are still located today in the parish church of Ei

bingen

. Once a year their shrine tours the town of Rüdesheim am Rhein and the vineyards. The nuns of the abbey founded by Hildegard maintain the memory of the great abbess and doctor of the church. seer and visionary whose teachings fascinate more people today than ever. And to a woman who not only stood out in her time. Solemn music (Hildegard) "A wind blew from a high mountain and made a small feather move, which had no ability to fly by itself, but only received it from the wind.

Without a doubt God Almighty made this show that what is capable of doing through a being who would not have the slightest confidence in himself." (Speaker) The author was the most influential woman of her time. With your own strength and against all resistance.