Your Mighty Maidenhead

 

A female figure holds a sword aloft
Art by Anna Hopkinson 2024

  • I've been reading the Advent Lyrics from the Exeter Book as Christmas approches. These are poems in Old English. (The version of the English language brought to the British Isles by the Angles, Saxons etc.) that explore the mysteries of the Incarnation and Virgin Birth in early medieval aliteration and symbolism.

  • In the fourth lyric - addressed to the Virgin Mary - one phrase stood out for me.

  • ond no gebrosnad wearð
  • mægðhad se micla.

  • Which translates as: 

  • and your mighty maidenhead
  • was not destroyed

    • Your mighty maidenhead! This makes Mary sound like a shieldmaiden, a Valkyrie. I love it. 

    It reminds me of some of the tales of mighty virgins I've retold in my Asexual Fairy Tales books. Of Sir Galahad and Clorinda the Knight. Of the potency of amethyst, and the magic power of the unicorn. In fact, that even reminds me of the perfect asexual comment that said, "Forever a unicorn. No one is majestic enough to ride me."

    Mighty and majestic maidenhead. It's not just for girls. It's not even just for literal virgins, if medieval beliefs about "spiritual virginity" are to be embraced. (And I do! See "The Magic Chastity Belt", the final tale in More Asexual Fairy Tales). 

    To me, this Old English lyric celebrates not just the Incarnation, but the mighty, non-passive power of asexuality, particularly in its apothisexual form. Say it loud; say it proud:

  • ond no gebrosnad wearð
  • mægðhad se micla.



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