Responsory for the Virgin

World Literature
Response 5 Vol. B: Medieval Lyrics

Responsory for the virgin
Hildegard of Bingen was arguably a polished writer as is demonstrated in her writing the Responsory for the Virgin. The work was written back in the 1100's and refers the Virgin Mary and her communication with the supernal father (God).  Hildegard was a very talented nun who founded two monasteries and worked with popes and clerics around the country. Her talents were varied and included writing music, plays, and religious poems. Hildegard worked out her life as a servant to God and kept her virginity throughout her life. The songs written by Hildegard were in praise of the Lord and became popular with the religious community. She put her faith in God’s hands and remained chaste her entire life. She was eventually elected head of the religious community in Bingen for her service. She was later granted sainthood and was named Saint Hildegard.

In the writing the Responsory for the virgin she is delicate in her delivery of a critical event in history. The beautiful body of the virgin Mary is described as a maiden's splendor and God as the supernal father.  She goes on the describe the seed of God as a bright rose within the maiden.  These words are very delicate in describing the event between God and the virgin Mary.  The writing goes on to explain Gods acceptance of Mary’s beauty and mortal flesh.  It also assures the reader that Mary was chaste before a flower sprang from her womb.  She goes on to describe the birth of Jesus to be as “sweet as the buds of spring”.  She also states that the son of God opened paradise.

Bingen, Hildegard. "Responsory of the Virgin." The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Vol. B. 3rd ed. Ed. Martin Puchner. New York: Norton, 2012. Print. 330