What is the concept of the Nine Worthies?

The Nine Worthies are a group of nine historical, scriptural, and legendary men recognized in the Middle Ages for embodying the ideals of chivalry. Their lives were considered exemplary studies for those aspiring to knightly status, and they were often referred to as 'Princes' regardless of their actual titles.

What was the primary purpose of studying the Nine Worthies in the Middle Ages?

The primary purpose was to provide a model for aspirants to chivalric status. Their lives were deemed valuable examples of the virtues and conduct expected of knights and noblemen during that era.

What do the French and Italian names for the Nine Worthies suggest about their qualities?

In French, they are known as Les Neuf Preux, meaning Nine Valiants, and in Italian as i Nove Prodi. These names emphasize their qualities of soldierly courage and generalship, highlighting the martial virtues they exemplified.

Who first described the Nine Worthies, and in what work?

The Nine Worthies were first described by Jacques de Longuyon in his work Voeux du Paon, which was written in 1312.

How are the Nine Worthies traditionally categorized into three groups?

They are categorized into three triads based on their religious or cultural backgrounds: three pagans, three Jews, and three Christians.

Who are the three pagan figures included among the Nine Worthies?

The three pagan figures are Hector, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar. These individuals represent great military leaders from classical antiquity.

Who are the three Jewish figures recognized as the Nine Worthies?

The three Jewish figures are Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus. They represent significant leaders from Jewish scripture and history.

Who are the three Christian figures among the Nine Worthies?

The three Christian figures are King Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon. These represent prominent Christian rulers and military leaders.

What connection did Johan Huizinga note between the Nine Worthies and the romance genre?

Johan Huizinga pointed out that the selection of the Nine Worthies showed a close connection to the romance genre of chivalry, as these figures were often celebrated in such tales.

How did the concept of female equivalents to the Nine Worthies emerge?

The medieval craving for symmetry led to the creation of female counterparts, known as the neuf preuses or Nine Worthy Women. However, the specific women chosen for this group often varied.

Who is sometimes referred to as a tenth worthy, and why?

Eustache Deschamps added Bertrand du Guesclin, a Breton knight, as a tenth worthy. This was in recognition of his significant contributions to France's recovery following the battles of Crécy and Poitiers.

How did Francis I of France associate himself with the Nine Worthies?

Francis I of France occasionally dressed in an antique mode at court to identify himself with the Neuf Preux, linking his own reign and image to these legendary heroes.

In Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, which figures are mentioned in the context of a masque, and how does it differ from the traditional Nine Worthies?

In Shakespeare's play, the characters attempt to stage a masque that includes Hercules and Pompey the Great, who are not part of the original Nine Worthies. The figures Alexander, Judah Maccabee, and Hector also appear before the performance descends into chaos.

How are the Nine Worthies referenced in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 2?

In Henry IV, Part 2, the character Doll Tearsheet compares Falstaff's bravery in a fight to that of Hector of Troy, stating he is worth five of Agamemnon, and ten times better than the Nine Worthies.

How does Don Quixote refer to the Nine Worthies?

In Volume I, Chapter 5 of Don Quixote, the protagonist claims his achievements surpass those of all the Nine Worthies combined, asserting his own legendary status.

What artistic representations of the Nine Worthies are mentioned from the medieval period?

Medieval representations include the 14th-century carving in Cologne City Hall, statues on the Schöne Brunnen in Nuremberg (1385-1396), and illustrations in the 1509 Portuguese armorial, Livro do Armeiro-Mor.

Describe the tapestry series illustrating the Nine Worthies at The Cloisters in New York City.

This early 15th-century tapestry series depicts five of the Nine Worthies: King Arthur, Joshua, David, Hector, and Julius Caesar. The series is considered important and is housed at The Cloisters.

What is the significance of Hans Burgkmair's woodcuts related to the Nine Worthies?

Hans Burgkmair created a series of woodcuts in 1519 depicting groups of three Worthies. His work notably included depictions of the Three Good Pagans (Hector, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar) and also explored variations for female worthies.

What are some of the variations found in the lists of Nine Worthy Women?

Lists of worthy women varied significantly. Eustache Deschamps included figures like Penthesilea and Semiramis. Thomas III of Saluzzo listed Deiphille, Synoppe, and Hippolyte among others. A 15th-century work, Triomphe des Neuf Preux, listed Deborah, Judith, Esther, and Lucretia, among others.

Which specific women were included in Hans Burgkmair's woodcuts representing the Eighteen Worthies?

Burgkmair's woodcuts featured Lucretia, Veturia, and Virginia among the pagans; Esther, Judith, and Jael among the Jews; and Saints Helena, Bridget of Sweden, and Elizabeth of Hungary among the Christians.

How did the lists of Lady Worthies differ between German and English traditions in the Renaissance?

While German lists like Burgkmair's focused on figures like Lucretia and Judith, English traditions, such as John Feare's in 1586 and Thomas Heywood's in 1640, often incorporated more Anglocentric figures or different interpretations of pagan and Christian heroines, sometimes including figures like Boudica or Queen Margaret.

How has the term Nine Worthies been used in more modern times, specifically referring to William III's councillors?

The term Nine Worthies was later applied to nine of William III's privy councillors. These included prominent figures such as Devonshire, Dorset, Monmouth, Russell, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Nottingham, Marlborough, and Lowther.

What is the significance of the carving Nine Good Heroes in Cologne City Hall?

The Nine Good Heroes carving, dating from the 14th century, is significant as it is the earliest known representation of the Nine Worthies, depicting the three Christian, three pagan, and three Jewish figures.

What does the term Les Neuf Preux translate to, and what does it emphasize?

Les Neuf Preux is the French term for the Nine Worthies, translating to Nine Valiants. This name emphasizes their qualities of soldierly courage and generalship.

What is the Italian name for the Nine Worthies, and what does it imply?

The Italian name for the Nine Worthies is i Nove Prodi. This term also implies bravery and excellence, aligning with the concept of valiant heroes.

How did the selection of the Nine Worthies reflect medieval ideals?

The selection reflected medieval ideals by choosing figures who personified chivalry and represented paragons of virtue within their respective traditions (Pagan, Jewish, and Christian), making them suitable models for study.

What role did Eustache Deschamps play regarding the Nine Worthies and their female counterparts?

Eustache Deschamps expanded upon the concept by adding female equivalents, the neuf preuses, and also proposed a tenth worthy in Bertrand du Guesclin, thus contributing to the evolving tradition.

What is notable about the depictions of Judith and Jael in Hans Burgkmair's woodcuts?

In Burgkmair's woodcuts, Judith and Jael are highlighted among the Jewish worthy women for their heroic acts of personal assassination against leaders opposing Israel, with Judith shown holding Holofernes's severed head and Jael with the mallet used to kill Sisera.

How did Thomas Heywood's 1640 work The Exemplary Lives and memorable Acts of Nine of the Most Worthy Women of the World differ in its selection of Christian heroines?

Thomas Heywood's selection for the Christian worthy women included Æthelflæd, Margaret of Anjou, and Elizabeth I, differing from earlier lists that often focused on saints like Helena or Bridget.

What was the purpose of the sculptures of the Nine Worthies at Montacute House?

The sculptures of the Nine Worthies spaced along the exterior piers of the long gallery at Montacute House served as decorative and symbolic representations of these historical figures, with the figures depicted in Roman armor.

What is the significance of the Ingeram Codex (1459) in relation to the Nine Worthies?

The Ingeram Codex is significant because it presents the coats of arms attributed to the Nine Worthies, placing them alongside other exemplary individuals like the Three Magi and various historical figures, within a larger compilation of attributed arms.

What does the phrase medieval craving for symmetry refer to in the context of the Nine Worthies?

This phrase refers to the medieval tendency to create parallel structures or counterparts, which led to the development of the neuf preuses (Nine Worthy Women) to complement the original male Nine Worthies.

How were the Nine Worthies depicted in the sala baronale of the Castello della Manta?

The sala baronale of the Castello della Manta features a fresco, i Nove Prodi, painted around 1420 by an anonymous master. This series also includes depictions of their female counterparts, the Lady Worthies.

What is the primary difference between the original Nine Worthies and the figures sometimes included in Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost masque?

The primary difference is that Shakespeare's masque included figures like Hercules and Pompey the Great, who were not part of the traditional list of nine historical, scriptural, and legendary heroes established by Jacques de Longuyon.

What does the text imply about the virtue of silence in relation to Burgkmair's Christian Worthy Women?

The text suggests that Burgkmair's depiction of the three Christian saints (Helena, Bridget, and Elizabeth) looking down, in contrast to the other groups who appear to be conversing, might illustrate the female virtue of silence.

What is the main theme of Richard Johnson's Nine Worthies of London?

The main theme of Johnson's book is the celebration of social mobility and achievement, specifically highlighting the rise of nine notable Londoners from common or apprentice ranks to positions of honor and renown.

What does the inclusion of figures like Judith and Jael among the Worthy Women signify, according to the text?

The inclusion of Judith and Jael signifies an interest in female agency and, particularly, female violence, as they are known for their decisive, albeit violent, actions against enemies of Israel, representing a different aspect of female heroism compared to chastity or piety.

What is the description of the 14th-century carving 'Nine Good Heroes' in Cologne City Hall?

The 14th-century carving 'Nine Good Heroes' in Cologne City Hall is the earliest known representation of the Nine Worthies. It depicts the three Christians (Charlemagne, King Arthur, Godfrey of Bouillon), the three pagans (Julius Caesar, Hector, Alexander the Great), and the three Jews (David, Joshua, Judah Maccabee), with specific heraldic symbols or attributes for each.

What does the phrase 'medieval craving for symmetry' suggest about the development of the Nine Worthies concept?

The phrase suggests that the established male group of Nine Worthies inspired a desire for a parallel female group, leading to the creation of the Nine Worthy Women, or neuf preuses, to maintain a balanced representation of heroic figures.

How did Lucas van Leyden's engraving depict the Nine Worthies?

Lucas van Leyden's engraving, created around 1520, depicted the Worthies in three sections, portraying the three Old Testament kings (likely referring to the Jewish Worthies) as if they were contemporary figures, reflecting a common artistic practice of the time.

What specific attributes are mentioned for the Christian Worthies in the Cologne City Hall carving?

In the Cologne City Hall carving, Charlemagne is shown bearing an eagle upon his shield, King Arthur displays three crowns, and Godfrey of Bouillon is depicted with a dog lying before him.

What specific attributes are mentioned for the pagan Worthies in the Cologne City Hall carving?

In the Cologne City Hall carving, Alexander the Great is shown bearing a griffon upon his shield, while Julius Caesar and Hector are also depicted.

What specific attributes are mentioned for the Jewish Worthies in the Cologne City Hall carving?

In the Cologne City Hall carving, David is shown holding a sceptre, while Joshua and Judah Maccabee are also depicted.

What is the significance of the Nine Worthies being referred to as 'Princes'?

The Nine Worthies were commonly referred to as 'Princes' regardless of their historical titles, signifying their high status, leadership, and exemplary nature within the chivalric ideal, elevating them to a level comparable to royalty.

What does the text imply about the selection of women for the Nine Worthy Women group?

The text implies that the selection of women for the Nine Worthy Women group was not standardized and often varied by region, author, and artist, unlike the more fixed list of the male Nine Worthies.

What was the context for the addition of Bertrand du Guesclin as a 'tenth worthy'?

Bertrand du Guesclin was added as a 'tenth worthy' by Eustache Deschamps because of his crucial role in helping France recover from significant military defeats, specifically the battles of Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356).

How did the artwork at Montacute House represent the Nine Worthies?

At Montacute House, sculptures of the Nine Worthies were placed along the exterior piers of the long gallery. These figures were depicted dressed in Roman armor, symbolizing their historical and martial significance.

What is the purpose of the Authority Control databases listed at the end of the article?

The Authority Control databases (like VIAF, GND, LoC, BnF) provide standardized identifiers for the subject (Nine Worthies) across different library and archival systems, helping to ensure consistency and facilitate research by linking related information.

Nine Worthies Wiki: Chivalry's Pantheon: An Exploration of the Nine Worthies

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Origin

Literary Genesis

The concept of the Nine Worthies emerged in the early 14th century, first articulated by Jacques de Longuyon in his 1312 work, Voeux du Paon (Vows of the Peacock).¹ This selection was deeply influenced by the chivalric romance genre prevalent during the Middle Ages, aiming to provide exemplars of martial prowess and moral virtue for aspiring knights.

Defining Ideals

These nine figures were considered paragons of chivalry within their respective traditions: Pagan, Jewish, and Christian. They were often referred to as "Princes," irrespective of their historical titles, embodying soldierly courage and exemplary leadership. In French, they are known as Les Neuf Preux ("Nine Valiants"), and in Italian, i Nove Prodi.

Early Representations

The earliest known visual representation of the Nine Worthies is the 14th-century carving titled "Nine Good Heroes" (Neun Gute Helden) found in the Hansa Hall of the City Hall in Cologne, Germany. This carving distinctly portrays the three triads: the Christians (Charlemagne, Arthur, Godfrey), the Pagans (Caesar, Hector, Alexander), and the Jews (David, Joshua, Judah Maccabee).

Classification

Triadic Structure

The Nine Worthies are neatly organized into three distinct groups, or triads, reflecting their diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This structure emphasizes a comparative approach to heroism across different historical epochs and belief systems.

The Nine Figures

The complete list comprises:

Pagans: Hector, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar
Jews: Joshua, David, Judah Maccabee
Christians: King Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Bouillon

This tripartite division became a standard motif in medieval and Renaissance art and literature.

The Pagan Worthies

Hector of Troy

A prince of Troy and its greatest warrior during the Trojan War, renowned for his bravery and nobility in defending his city against the Achaeans.

Alexander the Great

The King of Macedon, who conquered a vast empire stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He is celebrated for his military genius and ambition.

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. Known for his military campaigns and political acumen.

The Jewish Worthies

Joshua

The successor to Moses, who led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise of land. He is depicted as a divinely guided military leader.

David

The second king of the united Kingdom of Israel, famed for slaying Goliath, his poetic and musical talents (attributed author of many Psalms), and his reign as a righteous, albeit flawed, monarch.

Judah Maccabee

A leader of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. He is revered for his military victories and rededication of the Second Temple.

The Christian Worthies

King Arthur

The legendary British leader who, according to medieval history and romance, defended Britain against Saxon invaders. His tales are central to Arthurian legend, embodying ideals of chivalry and justice.

Charlemagne

King of the Franks and Lombards, and later Holy Roman Emperor. He united much of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages and is a central figure in French heroic legend.

Godfrey of Bouillon

A Frankish knight and one of the leaders of the First Crusade. He became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, renowned for his piety and military leadership.

Cultural Resonance

Medieval and Renaissance Influence

The concept of the Nine Worthies permeated medieval and Renaissance culture, appearing in literature, art, and performance. Their inclusion signified an adherence to established ideals of heroism and virtue.

William Shakespeare featured the Worthies in his play Love's Labour's Lost, though his characters' performance devolved into comic chaos, naming Hercules and Pompey alongside traditional figures like Alexander and Hector. In Henry IV, Part 2, Falstaff is compared favorably to Hector and the Nine Worthies. Don Quixote also invokes the Nine Worthies, claiming his own deeds surpass theirs.

Royal and Noble Association

The Worthies were often invoked by royalty and nobility to associate themselves with these esteemed figures. Francis I of France occasionally adopted the style of the Neuf Preux. The Ingeram Codex (1459) included their coats of arms among other exemplary individuals.

The concept extended to political figures as well. Nine privy councillors of William III were referred to as "Nine Worthies," including prominent figures like Marlborough and Devonshire.

Artistic Manifestations

Visual Depictions

The Nine Worthies have been a recurring subject in visual arts across Europe:

Cologne City Hall (14th Century): Features the earliest known carving of the group.
Nuremberg (1385-1396): Statues adorn the Schöner Brunnen fountain.
Portuguese Armorial (1509): The Livro do Armeiro-Mor includes an illustration of David.
Lucas van Leyden Engraving (c. 1520): Depicts the Old Testament kings.
Hans Burgkmair Woodcuts (1519): Series illustrating the pagan heroes.
Alcalá de Henares (1585): The Crónica del triunfo de los Nueve de la Fama presents the Worthies.
North Mymms Place (c. 1599): A frieze of the Nine Worthies was painted on this English manor.
The Cloisters, New York: Houses surviving fragments of a 15th-century tapestry series depicting five Worthies.
Castello della Manta, Italy (c. 1420): Features a fresco cycle by the Maestro del Castello della Manta.
Montacute House, England: Sculptures of the Nine Worthies adorn its facade.

The Nine Worthy Women

Emergence of Counterparts

In the late 14th century, the concept of female counterparts, the neuf preuses (Nine Valiant Women), began to emerge, though their selection was less standardized than the male Worthies. These women were often depicted as Amazon-styled warriors.

Varied Selections

Lists of Lady Worthies varied significantly. Eustache Deschamps included figures like Penthesilea, Tomyris, and Semiramis. Later lists, such as John Feare's (1586) and Thomas Heywood's (1640), introduced figures like Minerva, Boudica, Deborah, Judith, Esther, and various Christian queens and saints, reflecting evolving cultural perspectives on female heroism.

Artistic Representation

Art also depicted these female figures. Hans Burgkmair created woodcuts of six "Eighteen Worthies," including pagan women like Lucretia and Virginia, Jewish heroines like Esther and Jael, and Christian saints such as Helena and Bridget. Siennese paintings from the 15th century also featured male and female worthies.

Nine Worthies of London

Richard Johnson's Work

In 1592, Richard Johnson published Nine Worthies of London, a book that adapted the theme to celebrate nine prominent Londoners who rose from humble beginnings to achieve renown. This work highlighted civic virtue and the potential for social mobility.

Celebrated Citizens

The nine London heroes celebrated by Johnson included Sir William Walworth, Sir Henry Pritchard, Sir Thomas White, Sir William Sevenoke, Sir John Hawkwood, Sir John Bonham, Christopher Croker, Sir Henry Maleverer of Cornhill, and Sir Hugh Calverley.

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References

Johan Huizinga, The Waning of the Middle Ages, (1919) 1924:61.

Compare the concept of the "Tenth Muse".

Chapter V â In which the narrative of our knight's mishap is continued

le chevalier errant, BibliothÃ¨que nationale, Paris, mss. Fr. 12559, fol. 125v; manuscript dated to 1403-04

A full list of references for this article are available at the Nine Worthies Wikipedia page

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Chivalry's Pantheon

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origin 📜

✍️ Literary Genesis

👑 Defining Ideals

🏛️ Early Representations

Classification 📚

⚖️ Triadic Structure

📜 The Nine Figures

The Pagan Worthies 🏛️

⚔️ Hector of Troy

👑 Alexander the Great

🏛️ Julius Caesar

The Jewish Worthies ✡️

🛡️ Joshua

🎶 David

💪 Judah Maccabee

The Christian Worthies ✝️

👑 King Arthur

⚔️ Charlemagne

🛡️ Godfrey of Bouillon

Cultural Resonance 🗣️

🎭 Medieval and Renaissance Influence

👑 Royal and Noble Association

Artistic Manifestations 🎨

🖼️ Visual Depictions

The Nine Worthy Women 👑

👩‍🦳 Emergence of Counterparts

📚 Varied Selections

🎨 Artistic Representation

Nine Worthies of London 🏙️

🇬🇧 Richard Johnson's Work

⭐ Celebrated Citizens

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origin

Literary Genesis

Defining Ideals

Early Representations

Classification

Triadic Structure

The Nine Figures

The Pagan Worthies

Hector of Troy

Alexander the Great

Julius Caesar

The Jewish Worthies

Joshua

David

Judah Maccabee

The Christian Worthies

King Arthur

Charlemagne

Godfrey of Bouillon

Cultural Resonance

Medieval and Renaissance Influence

Royal and Noble Association

Artistic Manifestations

Visual Depictions

The Nine Worthy Women

Emergence of Counterparts

Varied Selections

Artistic Representation

Nine Worthies of London

Richard Johnson's Work

Celebrated Citizens

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice