Speculum stultorum {The Mirror of Fools} is a brilliant medieval Latin beast poem describing the quests, dreams, and thoughts of the donkey Burnel. Speculum stultorum satirizes religious and educational institutions and personal relations. It was written in England late in the twelfth-century. Little is known about its author, who is variously specified as Nigellus Wireker, Nigel Whiteacre, Nigel of Langchamp (also Nigel Longchamp and Nigel de Longchamps), and Nigel of Canterbury. The poem consists of 3900 lines of mainly elegiac couplets. It survives in forty manuscripts. Speculum stultorum was highly popular among Latin readers in Europe from the 14th century to the Reformation.
Men seeking alternate lifestyles to escape from gynocentrism face misandry and castration culture as did Cistercian conversi in medieval Europe. … Read the post misandry & castration culture repress alternate lifestyles for men
In Speculum stultorum, the wise donkey Burnel didn’t want to be a bishop like a sterile mule. Burnel valued seminal action. You should, too. … Read the post horse vs. mule: Burnel recognized value of seminal action
Drawing upon insights fromSpeculum stultorum, men seeking gender equality must cry openly and profusely in the face of appalling injustices against men. … Read the post learning from women: tears will gain you forgiveness for all your crimes
In the medieval Latin Speculum stultorum, Burnel’s mother emotionally abused him. Burnel as an adult donkey pursued foolish ways to win her love. … Read the post mother’s emotional abuse pushed Burnel to study in Paris
Chauntecleer in Chaucer’s Nun’s Priest’s Tale would reject his wife Pertelote’s advice and keep silent if he understood the Latin Speculum stultorum. … Read the post cock Chauntecleer nearly devoured for lack of good Latin learning