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Ermentrude's consecration (866): queen‐making rites and biblical templates for Carolingian fertility
Author(s) -
Mistry Zubin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
early medieval europe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.1
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1468-0254
pISSN - 0963-9462
DOI - 10.1111/emed.12373
Subject(s) - consecration , coronation , queen (butterfly) , fertility , rite , monarchy , politics , history , art , ancient history , sociology , philosophy , theology , law , population , demography , political science , archaeology , hymenoptera , botany , biology
Ermentrude's consecration in 866 has long been interpreted as the quintessential example of queen‐making as fertility rite. More recent scholarship has illuminated how Carolingian queen‐making articulated richer definitions of queenship and reflected wider political roles of queens. This article re‐examines the significance of fertility at Ermentrude's consecration. Close analysis of the introductory address that survives alongside the liturgy for anointing and coronation shows that fertility was an unusually important theme at Ermentrude's consecration – but not simply the queen's fertility. By modelling royal fertility on biblical templates, the consecration communicated not only hopes of future children but also political messages about divine sanction of dynastic continuity and good kingship.