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Introduction
The autobiography of Usamah Ibn Munqidh, a Muslim warrior and courtier, includes excerpts from his encounters with the Franks. A multidimensional view is presented through the descriptions of his various experiences with the Franks. Generally, the authors opinion of the ethnic group was based on ideas of their ignorant and uncivilized nature. At the same time, Usamah Ibn Munqidh also highlights the positive aspects of the Franks influence, including their knowledge of certain medical treatments and their loyalty. Furthermore, the authors conveyed episodes with personal acquaintances aided in demonstrating the noble and considerate characteristics of the Frankish. Based on the excerpts, it would be fair to assume a stronger feeling of confusion and concern for the ethnic group, as each fragment is essentially focused on its uncertain nature.
The episode on the Knight and Son
The first illustration of Franks positive yet uncommon attributes is expressed in the authors story about his companion, a reverend knight. Explaining their intimate fellowship, Munqidh reveals the knights reference to him as his brother (Halsall, 1996, para.2). The knights willingness to take care of the authors son is narrated further to emphasize the strong bond between the two men. At the same time, while maintaining a solid relationship with the man, Munquidh also notes that &a worse misfortune than carrying him into the lands of the Franks is barely possible (Halsall, 1996, para.4). In that way, while the authors favorable relationships formed helped to exhibit their concern for other people, the general perception of the Franks remains suggestive of their ignorance and strangeness. Although one definite character trait the author encountered was their honorable treatment of friends and companions, Frankish people may seem overbearing and discourteous in other possible fields, to be mentioned further in the paper.
The episode on the Medical Practices
Another example of the judgemental attitude expressed towards the Franks can be extracted from the authors review of their medical practices. Overall, the episode can be categorized into two central parts: one which confronts and criticizes the Frankish methods of treatment and another that showcases its progressive and successful aspects. The term curious medicine incorporates both perspectives into one key idea of Franks variety in skills and knowledge (Halsall, 1996, para.6). The first mentioned instance includes a story of a Frankish physician attempting to treat a knight with a leg injury and a woman affected by imbecility.
The author describes the professional with minimal indications of any relevant medical knowledge through phrases that evidently hint at an ignorant and confident tone. Furthermore, as the physicians aid leads to the knights death, the lack of professional skills becomes clear. Additionally, this view is perpetuated through a second example of the physicians inability to treat the womans imbecility, as she expired after the utilized methods (Halsall, 1996, para.8). The detrimental influence of Frankish medicine and the authors skepticism towards it are emphasized through the mentioned text sections.
On the other hand, Munqidh expressed an alternative opinion regarding the Frankish application of medical knowledge, sharing two positive examples from his own experiences. In one of the examples, a Frankish physician cured a knight named Bernard; the latter included a medical prescription capable of treating a disease. Through a balanced presentation of arguments concerning their procedures positive and negative impacts, Ibn Munqidh emphasizes their general curious nature with specific notable exceptions. While commenting on the Franks success in dealing with specific medical issues, a reoccurring sense of incredibility is imposed on their competency.
The episode on the Lack of Jealousy
Ibn Munqidh was undoubtedly surprised to discover the Franks lack of jealousy and zeal in various compromising situations. The illustrations of such behavior predominantly included married couples and, precisely, instances in which the husband showed minimal reaction to another man interacting with his wife. Through the exploration of these examples, Munqidh notes the Franks neutrality and unawareness of any negative connotations such interactions may cause in personal relationships. The idea may presumably be considered an indication of the authors admiration of the ethnic group. However, in the context of the discussed attitudes towards them, it would be fair to assume the notes hint at the authors perplexity regarding their relationships.
Episode on the Case of al-Amir Muin-al-Di
Moreover, the Frankish portrait is further examined through the case of a blind Muslim man, once punished for assassinating the Frankish pilgrims. Munqidh devoted a paragraph to describing the method used to test his innocence, which included positioning the man in a cask and noting its sinking or lack thereof. The following sentence comprised an agonizing procedure of piercing his eyeballs with red-hot awls (Halsall, 1996, para.20). The decision to add this section highlights the authors intention to convey the torturous and, at the same time, oversimplified practices of the Franks. In this case, the Frankish pilgrims showcased a very dark side to their character. Contrary to the Franks, the act of Al-Amir Muin-al-Din proves to be good-natured and honorable, as he provides a stipend for the blind man. Hence, in this episode, Ibn Munqidh evidently viewed the pilgrims as cruel and unfair.
The episode on the Acceptable Frankish People
In terms of the most pleasant types of Frankish people, the author highlights the ones who had significantly assimilated within the Muslim culture. Consequently, such people must be considered an exception to the overall perception of the group. In that way, the contrast between recent comers from the Frankish lands and the exceptionally viewed Franks reinforces the negative attitude of the author towards the ethnic population (Halsall, 1996, para.21). The Muslim-associated Franks possess character traits and values similar to those of Ibn Munqidh and are therefore preferred as people. The included excerpt mentions a Christian knight that defended a Muslim man despite his possibly committed crime. Hence, the knights actions and his relation to the Muslim figure clearly explain the authors approval and appreciation of the specific group of people. The addition of this thought at the end of the source suggests Munqidhs ultimate preference for Muslim people over the Franks, who seem less civilized and considerate in comparison.
Conclusion
In that way, the author expressed stronger feelings of mistrust and concern for the Frankish people. This idea is further emphasized through a comparison with people possessing Islam-oriented traits and values, which were more familiar and preferable to the author. Although Ibn Munqidh questioned the intentions and knowledge of the Franks, contrasting examples showcasing their positive attributes were included in the source as well. Hence, it can be assumed that the author believed in their potential to improve in various fields, but that tendency would be highly dependent on their environment. In that way, his warmest feelings were directed towards Muslim-associated Franks, while the rest were generally viewed skeptically and without complete trust.
References
Halsall, P. (1996). Medieval Sourcebook: Usmah Ibn Munqidh (1095-1188): Autobiography, excerpts on the Franks. Fordham University. Web.
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