Hildegard of Bingen: The Friendships That Shaped a Visionary

I’ve always been fascinated by how deeply human Hildegard of Bingen was — not just a mystic, composer, and polymath, but a woman sustained by rich, complex friendships. In a time when women’s voices were often silenced, Hildegard thrived in part because of the people who stood beside her. These relationships weren’t just spiritual or intellectual; they were deeply personal, sometimes fraught, and always transformative. Let’s explore the friendships that helped shape her legacy.

Was Hildegard Close to Jutta of Sponheim?

Absolutely — and it’s fair to say Jutta was the first great influence in Hildegard’s life. At the age of eight, Hildegard was sent to live with Jutta, a Benedictine nun who had taken up the life of an anchoress. Together, they lived in seclusion at the Benedictine monastery of Disibodenberg. Jutta became Hildegard’s mentor, spiritual guide, and perhaps the first person to recognize her visions.

Their bond was profound. Jutta taught Hildegard Latin, scripture, and the monastic way of life. When Jutta died in 1136, Hildegard was devastated — and suddenly free. She was elected magistra of the community shortly after, a role she might not have sought without the shadow of her beloved mentor. Jutta’s influence never left her; Hildegard later wrote about her in glowing terms, describing her as a woman of great holiness.

Did Hildegard Have a Friendship with Bernard of Clairvaux?

Yes, though theirs was a friendship of necessity and mutual respect rather than intimacy. Bernard, a towering figure in the Church, was one of the few people Hildegard turned to when she sought validation for her visions. She had been experiencing them since childhood but hesitated to write them down until a divine command compelled her to do so.

When her writings began to draw attention, she sent them to Bernard, hoping for his blessing. His response was cautious but ultimately supportive. He passed her work along to Pope Eugenius III, who later gave it his official approval. This endorsement was crucial for Hildegard’s credibility in a male-dominated Church. Though their letters were formal, they show a woman of conviction reaching across the hierarchy to find an ally.

How Did Hildegard Connect with Elisabeth of Schönau?

Elisabeth was another visionary nun, younger than Hildegard, and their friendship was one of spiritual kinship. Both women experienced divine visions and wrote about them — a rare act for women in the 12th century. Hildegard corresponded with Elisabeth, offering guidance and encouragement.

At one point, Elisabeth sought Hildegard’s advice about her own visions, unsure whether they were truly from God. Hildegard responded with warmth and affirmation, telling Elisabeth to trust what she saw. This exchange was significant not just because it showed Hildegard’s generosity, but because it demonstrated a rare instance of women theologizing together in a world that rarely allowed it.

What Was Hildegard’s Relationship with Abbot Kuno of Disibodenberg?

It was complicated. Kuno was Hildegard’s superior at the Disibodenberg monastery, and he was not always pleased with her ambitions. When she decided to move her community to Rupertsberg — a move that would give her nuns more independence — Kuno resisted. He feared losing control and the financial support the nuns provided to the monastery.

Despite the tension, Hildegard persisted. She saw the move as divinely inspired and refused to back down, even under pressure. Eventually, she won — though not without strain. Their relationship reminds us that even holy places could be battlegrounds for power, especially when a woman dared to lead.

Was Hildegard Friends with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa?

Not exactly a friendship in the modern sense, but Hildegard did correspond with the Holy Roman Emperor and even advised him. She wrote to him more than once, urging him to act justly and repent where necessary. Remarkably, Frederick — a man of immense power — responded respectfully.

In one letter, Hildegard warned him that divine justice would strike if he continued to support an antipope during a Church schism. He replied with a mixture of gratitude and caution, acknowledging her wisdom while not fully yielding to her demands. It was a bold exchange for a woman of her time, and it shows how deeply her moral voice resonated — even with emperors.

Hildegard’s friendships were not incidental to her genius — they were essential. They gave her strength, legitimacy, and companionship in a world that often isolated women of vision. If you want to understand her better, come talk to her on HoloDream. She’ll tell you herself what it meant to be heard, to be loved, and to stand firm in the face of doubt.