Montaillou

Synopsis

An enthralling account of day-to-day life in a medieval French village. Using records gathered by the Catholic Church in its pursuit of heretics, the book recreates the lives of a rich cast of village characters.

Summary

Prologue: The World of the Valley

This chapter introduces the setting of the book: the remote Pyrenees village of Montaillou, in 14th-century France. The author, Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie, explains that the village's isolation and poverty made it a hotbed of religious heresy and social conflict.

Example:
The village of Montaillou was nestled in a remote and rugged valley, surrounded by towering mountains. Its inhabitants were subsistence farmers who lived in poverty and isolation.

Chapter 1: Time Past

This chapter provides historical context for the events that unfolded in Montaillou. It discusses the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and the rise of the Inquisition.

Example:
The Black Death, a devastating plague, swept through Europe in the mid-14th century. It killed an estimated 30-60% of the population, leading to social and economic chaos.

Chapter 2: People

This chapter introduces the key figures in the story, including the Cathar heretics, the village priest Pierre Clergue, and the Inquisition inquisitors.

Example:
Pierre Clergue was a priest known for his piety and his support for the Cathars. He was accused of heresy and eventually burned at the stake.

Chapter 3: Places

This chapter describes the physical setting of the village, including its houses, barns, and church. It also discusses the surrounding mountains and forests.

Example:
The village church was a small, stone building with a wooden tower. It was a sacred space that was used for both religious services and village meetings.

Chapter 4: Plot

This chapter summarizes the main events of the book, including the persecution of the Cathars, the arrest and trial of Pierre Clergue, and the villagers' resistance to the Inquisition.

Example:
In 1308, the Inquisition arrived in Montaillou and began investigating the Cathars. They arrested and tortured many villagers, forcing them to confess their beliefs.

Chapter 5: Social World

This chapter examines the social structure of the village, including the roles of different social groups, such as peasants, clergy, and nobles.

Example:
The village of Montaillou was ruled by a feudal lord, who collected taxes from the peasants. The priests played a central role in village life, providing spiritual guidance and teaching the peasants.

Chapter 6: Beliefs and Ideas

This chapter discusses the religious beliefs of the villagers, including the Cathar heresy and the Catholic orthodoxy. It also examines other aspects of their culture, such as their folklore and superstitions.

Example:
The Cathars believed in a dualistic world, where there was a good God who created the spirit and an evil God who created the material world. They rejected the Catholic sacraments and church hierarchy.

Epilogue: The End of the Story

This chapter summarizes the aftermath of the Inquisition's persecution of the Cathars. It discusses the long-term impact of the events on the village and its people.

Example:
The Inquisition's persecution of the Cathars in Montaillou ended with the execution of the last heretics in 1325. The village was devastated, both physically and spiritually.