Expansion

Abstract

The expansion of Hildegard’s world and influence is the subject of this chapter. It describes the numerous preaching tours she undertook and her close relationship with Trier, with special attention given to her so-called hymn Mathias sanctus, written for the monastery of St. Eucharius. Also discussed are Hildegard’s connection to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, her theological treatise Liber vite meritorum, her connection with the community at Eibingen, her Explanation of the Athanasian Creed, and the numerous exorcisms she performed. The vitae she wrote for St. Disibod and St. Rupert, and the music composed in their honor (especially the sequence O ierusalem, the antiphon O beata infantia, and the responsory O felix anima), are treated as well.