Solomon and Marcolf is a medieval Latin text that interrogates and interrupts gynocentrism and elite disparagement of ordinary men. The first part consists of agonistic exchanges of gnomic sentences between Marcolf and Solomon. The second part narrates tricks showing Marcolf’s superior knowledge of guile relative to Solomon. The earliest surviving text of Solomon and Marcolf is dated 1410. The surviving Latin text was probably written about 1200. Stories of Marcolf and Solomon were widely known no later than 1000. Solomon and Marcolf became highly popular in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Adaptations were produced in English, German, Italian, Welsh, and other European languages.
Cicero’s pithy words on education can be understood through the medieval Latin work Solomon and Marcolf and a lively poem of Luxorius. … Read the post Cicero unpacked: piss on learned hypocrites to cultivate public fields
In the basic bodily functions of sex and farting, men bear a burden of performance that should be lessened in loving appreciation for men. … Read the post farting: men’s pervasive burden of performance
Different literary treatments of Carfania and Marcolf, both known for mooning judges, reflect disparate punishment by gender under law. … Read the post Carfania & Marcolf: different positions for mooning judges
The Life of Aesop offers trenchant critique of elite culture. Aesopic conversations about sex and gender existed with Marcolf through the Middle Ages. … Read the post Life of Aesop as continuing critique of elite culture
In her story of Gongolf, Hrotsvit associated mockery of miracles with cuckoldry. Like Solomon and Marcolf, Hrotsvit paired spiritual life and fleshly life. … Read the post Hrotsvit with Gongolf empathized with Solomon and Marcolf
The popular medieval Solomon and Marcolf, like Pseudo-Sirach, insists on practical, sexual balance in Solomon’s wisdom and abhors malice toward men. … Read the post Marcolf challenged Solomon on malice toward men