The Medieval Changeling: Health, Childcare, and the Family Unit

The first comprehensive study of medieval changelings and associated attitudes to the health and care of children in the period. It examines a broad range of medical, miracle, and imaginative texts, as well as the lives of three more conventional Saints, Stephen, Bartholomew, and Lawrence, who were said to have been replaced by a demonic changeling. It highlights how people from all walks of life were invested in creating and experiencing the images, texts, and artefacts depicting these changelings and examines societal tensions regarding infants and children's health, care, and position within the familial unit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The changeling, a haunting and enigmatic creature, has captured the hearts and minds of people for centuries. It is a mythological entity believed to be swapped by malevolent powers for a human child, often leaving families shattered and filled with despair. The term "changeling" is traditionally used to justify the violent rejection of disabled or ailing infants, as it provides a convenient explanation for their misfortune. However, this belief in the reality of changelings extends beyond mere folklore. It is famously attested in the thirteenth-century account of Stephen of Bourbon, who documented the rituals performed at the shrine of Saint Guinefort the Holy Greyhound. Here, sick children were brought to be cured, and it was believed that the presence of a changeling could be expelled through these sacred ceremonies. While the focus on the St. Guinefort rituals has garnered significant scholarly attention, it has overshadowed the wealth of other sources of knowledge, such as mystery plays and medical texts. These sources offer valuable insights into the nuances and complexities of the changeling motif during the medieval period.

In this interdisciplinary study, the author delves into the idea of the changeling as a cultural construct by examining a wide range of medical, miracle, and imaginative texts. These texts provide a window into the beliefs and practices surrounding the changeling during this time. The author also explores the lives of three more conventional Saints, Stephen, Bartholomew, and Lawrence, who were said to have been replaced by a demonic changeling in their infancy. These Saints serve as a contrast to the traditional notion of the changeling, as they were revered as holy figures and believed to possess extraordinary powers.

Through their examination of these texts and the lives of these Saints, the author highlights how people from all walks of life were invested in both creating and experiencing the images, texts, and artefacts depicting these changelings. The study explores societal tensions regarding infants and children, their health, their care, and their position within the familial unit. It sheds light on the complex interplay between religious beliefs, cultural norms, and societal attitudes towards children and their well-being.

The changeling remains an enduring image in the popular imagination, symbolizing the fear and uncertainty surrounding the vulnerability of children. This study offers a fresh perspective on the medieval period, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the changeling motif and its impact on the lives of individuals and families. It encourages us to reevaluate our beliefs and attitudes towards children and their care, and to recognize the importance of compassion and understanding in our interactions with them.

Weight: 766g
Dimension: 175 x 248 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846512