Language:
English
Year of publication:
2004
Titel der Quelle:
Speculum; a Journal of Medieval Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
79,1 (2004) 26-65
Keywords:
Thomas,
;
William,
;
Blood accusation
;
Antisemitism History Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Christianity and antisemitism History To 1500
Abstract:
Discusses the cult of William of Norwich, the Christian child ostensibly killed in a ritual murder perpetrated by Jews in 1144. The main purveyor of this myth was the monk Thomas of Monmouth, in his Latin work "The Life and Miracles of St. William of Norwich". Stresses the lasting trauma of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and the post-colonial situation that ensued. The largest city, Norwich, was split ethnically, linguistically, and socially. The way that was found to forge a Christian collectivity was to demonize the alien Francophones and Jews as bloodthirsty murderers. The blood libel created a bond that was lacking in Norwich, even among the clergy. Jewish blood shed in revenge for the "ritual murder" of William was considered to have purged the community. Even an Englishman associated with the Jews, the sheriff who protected the Jews on behalf of the king, received his just, bloody punishment. The blood libel not only created a saint, it also helped create a people; in the process, it branded the Jews as bloodthirsty "others" who deserved to be killed.
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