Chapter
The Monk Who Cut Off Her Nose
00:00 - 03:21 (03:21)
In this episode, the host reflects on the story of a monk who cut off her own nose to prevent being raped during a Viking invasion in 9th century CE. The episode delves into the pain and trauma of such an act and the bravery it takes to make such a decision.
Clips
Lisey Oliver discusses how nunneries were often targeted by barbarians for pillage and rape between the 5th and 12th century, and how one abbess, Saint Ebba, came up with a plan to protect her fellow nuns.
00:00 - 01:19 (01:19)
Summary
Lisey Oliver discusses how nunneries were often targeted by barbarians for pillage and rape between the 5th and 12th century, and how one abbess, Saint Ebba, came up with a plan to protect her fellow nuns.
ChapterThe Monk Who Cut Off Her Nose
Episode126. What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common?
PodcastFreakonomics Radio
An abbess under attack in a nunnery during the early medieval period took a razor and cut off her own nose and upper lip, along with one of her sisters, to repel pagan attackers.
01:19 - 03:21 (02:02)
Summary
An abbess under attack in a nunnery during the early medieval period took a razor and cut off her own nose and upper lip, along with one of her sisters, to repel pagan attackers. Despite the tremendous pain, the self-mutilation worked and the attackers left in haste upon witnessing the horrific sight the next day.