Reimagining Heaven. Visions of Late Medieval Female Mystics

Abstract

Eschatology is important for people of all times, but it had particular significance during the Middle Ages. Eschatological fears, especially triggered by plagues and wars, were common at that time. People lived in constant proximity to death. As a result, they were especially open to the hope of eternal life provided by Christianity. The experiences of female mystics are particularly interesting and valuable for understanding the eschatology of that period. Among others, really important are their descriptions of heaven which seem innovative for those times. They depict heaven not only as a perfect hierarchical structure but first of all as an experience of fervent love from God. Undoubtedly, the mystic women surprise with their original, fresh, and daring approach to matters related to life after death.