Please note this is a guest post I originally wrote for the fabulous Mary Anne’s blog, the Coffee Pot Book Club. You can find the original article here: https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2020/01/fantasy-author-laura-maybrooke-is.html
Writing fantasy gives us access to fantastical worlds—ones unburdened by the nitty-gritty details of reality. That is not to say a fantasy world can function without an internal logic system, but that one needs not always adhere to the small details of ancient everyday life.
Today I am exploring the life of medieval monks—and by extension, showing how it contrasts with the life of my priests in my fantasy novel Immortal Defiance and its upcoming two sequels.
In my fantasy novel, priests of Lordanys are dedicated monks, skilled at healing and herb lore, but many of them are also excellent fighters. An example of such a character in my novel is the high priest Myoden, an ally to the novel’s leading lady, the elven enchantress Dulcea. His position as a high priest likens him to an abbot of a medieval monastery. The priests’ powers are half magic, half hard work. They dress in fancy embroidered robes and can marry and have children, own worldly goods, and are free to leave the temple whenever.
Quite different from the life of real medieval monks, would you not say?
In medieval times, apart from some notable Irish exceptions, monks mostly lived and died within the walls of the monastery they had once joined as a novice. Their possessions were few: apart from a few sets of clothes, they usually only owned a comb, a small sewing kit, a pen, and a knife. Grooming equipment such as razors were only available at select times. The monks’ meagre possessions extended to their sleeping space: they often had only a straw-filled mattress and a few woolen blankets.
The life of a medieval monk was one of constant work, whether physical or spiritual. Monasteries differed in size: the smallest had only a dozen or less inhabitants, while the larger ones could boast having over a hundred brothers. In France, in mid-12th century, the monastery of Cluny Abbey at its peak had 460 monks living there.
The larger the monastery, the wealthier it normally was. Although people of any rank could apply to become a monk, many monks came from well-to-do families and provided the monastery with considerable riches. In the smaller monasteries, the monks sometimes needed to take care of all the chores of the monastery, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry. The larger, wealthier monasteries often attracted many lay brothers and could also afford to hire laborers for the manual work. Lay brothers, where available, lived within the monastery’s walls—together but separate from the monks—and adhered to some monastic regulations while doing manual labor for the monastery and on its lands.
A monk’s duty was never-ending. Their daily life consisted of worship, prayer, meditation, reading, and manual labor. Breviary, the unabridged version of the more famous Book of Hours, divided into eight sections—or hours—was the monks’ main prayer book. It was read at eight specific times of the day in the monastery church, even during the night at 2 am and then again at 5 am. These occasions were known as follows: Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers and Compline.
The monks’ dress was basic, made from the cheapest cloth, and they normally owned only two pieces of the same clothing. Their wardrobe consisted of linen underclothes, sometimes hose or socks, a simple woolen tunic, a cowl, and a robe. During winter, a sheepskin cloak provided extra warmth. Most monks received a new cowl and a robe each Christmas. A monk’s cowl, a long sleeveless robe with a deep hood, remains their most recognizable item of clothing to this day.
Like with the cowl, medieval monks’ other most remembered distinguishing feature relates to their appearance. Monastery rules required all monks to shave the top of their head. This distinctive haircut, called a tonsure, left their heads shaven except for a narrow strip of hair above the ears. For the monks, tonsures symbolized their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem.
As the Middle Ages progressed, different orders branched out from the Benedictine Rule practiced by the first medieval monks. Different orders had different practices, and some took vows of silence while others were not as strict. In general, though, all main orders subscribed to three essential vows: those of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Anyone breaking the monastic rules got reported to the abbot, and depending on the severity of the transgression, possible punishments included being beaten, exclusion from communal activities for a time, temporary imprisonment, or even expulsion from the monastery.
What then compelled people to become monks? Why would people sometimes send their children to the monastery as young as at five years of age?
Almost no one lived an easy life in the Middle Ages. The medieval world was rife with disease, famine, warfare, and violence. Even the most powerful monarchs were in constant danger of something uncontrollable upsetting their world. The life of a monk was hard, but unlike most other career options, it offered a secure roof over one’s head and above average quality and amount of food and drink for the duration of one’s life.
As such, it is difficult to say how many became monks for the sole purpose of devoting their lives to serving God, and how many just to live life in a secure retreat, to escape from violence and warfare, or to lead a peaceful and quiet life.
Monasteries contributed in an important way to the communities near them. Anyone joining the monastery could receive an education there, learning reading, writing, arithmetic, and Latin. The monks produced and copied books and illuminated manuscripts, travelers could find a room with them when needed, and they also helped the poor by providing medical care, orphanages, homes for the aged, and public baths. Monasteries were also great patrons of the arts and looked after many pilgrim sites.
While monkhood was not always a permanent career choice, particularly from the 13th century onwards, most monks had no need or desire to leave the monastery after their acceptance into it. Because of this, monasteries were self-sufficient and provided its inhabitants with all the things necessary for survival, including education, food, spiritual sustenance, medical care, and barber services. The specific skills present in each monastery depended on the monks’ own training and interests.
For more information on medieval monks and their everyday life and habits, start with Ancient History Encyclopedia:
https://www.ancient.eu/article/1293/the-daily-life-of-medieval-monks/
or Medieval Life and Times:
http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-life/life-of-medieval-monks.htm
Both of which sites were used to contribute to the content of this article, along with my own knowledge and impressions gathered throughout the years.
777becasino
December 13, 2025 - 2:00 pm ·Good times at 777becasino! A decent selection of games and a pretty smooth experience all around. Have a peek: 777becasino
boyarka
March 15, 2026 - 4:12 am ·I used to be suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m nott positive whether or
not this submit is witten by him as nobody else know such specified about
my problem. You’re amazing! Thank you!
site
April 6, 2026 - 10:05 am ·Getting started with a casino welcome offer can crreate a more enjoyable beginning
foor players. By receiving bonus value at the start, users can discover more game options.
Many playeres appreciate clear promotional terms. Together
with a user-friendly layout, everything feels well organized and easy to manage.
homepage
April 6, 2026 - 12:28 pm ·Joining a platform with an online casino sign up bonus
caan make the first sessions feel more rewarding. By receiving
bonus value after registration, users can explore more
game options inn a comfotable way. Modern audiences
often like clear bonus terms. Alongside a user-friendly layout, everything feels smooh and comfortable to use.
online slots
April 21, 2026 - 8:58 am ·Immediate cashout options can improve the flow of diogital entertainment.
On a platform designed forr rapid cashouts, players gaijn faster access to available
funds. That payment structure often works well with straightforward account
options and well-organized menus. Thiss creates a more enjoyable environment with greater everyday comfort.
speedz
April 23, 2026 - 8:07 am ·Fast payouts can make online gaming feell far more enjoyable.
On a platform built for speedy withdrawals, players spend less time waitging
ffor funds. This kinmd of convenience often works well wiyh clear withdraal details and user-friendly navigation. That helps build a
well-organized experience from start tto finish.
speedz live dealer games
April 23, 2026 - 8:11 am ·Real money play can bring a more vibrant feel to online entertainment.
With a gawming site focused onn real money sessions, users may find the experience
more immersive. A lot of users value transparent
conditions, convenient money tools, and a user-friendly structure.
Together, these elements crete a well-balanced environment.
Curtis1475
April 24, 2026 - 12:55 am ·https://shorturl.fm/f6awG
bet collect casino
April 28, 2026 - 9:13 am ·Real money gaming can give online entertainment a more
vivgid andd engaging character. With a gaming sie designed arolund resal cash sessions, players may find the atmosphefe more compelling.
Many users also appreciate easy-to-read account information, smooth payment features, and a
user-friendly layout. As a result, there is a well-balanced environment.
betninja casino original site
April 28, 2026 - 9:41 am ·A low deposit entry can make online gaming feel more approachable.
With a gaming site built for ssmall first payments, players can manage their budgget with greater ease.
Easy account information make everything smooth and pleasant to
use.
booming slots brand page
April 28, 2026 - 11:45 am ·Rapid withdrawals can add extra comfort to the overall playing experience.
On a platform focused on speedy cashouts, plasyers enjoy faster access to their balance.
Thhat efficient payment flow often matches well with simple account tools and modern financial features.
That is why, everything feels pleasant and comfortable to
use.
lunar spins slots
April 28, 2026 - 12:18 pm ·A modest opening deposit can make digital play easier
to explore. On a platform designed for lower starting amounts, players enjoy a more flexible way to start.
Simple deposit instructions make everything easy to follow andd pleasant to use.
queensbingo
April 28, 2026 - 1:27 pm ·Playing with real funds can make each digital session feel more dynamic and
immersive. With a gaming site designed around real cash sessions, players often enjoy a
stronger sense oof participation. Maany ussers also appreciate easy-to-read account information, smooth payment features, and a comfortable
site structure. Together, these elements create a pleasant environment.
tenobet casino UK site
April 28, 2026 - 1:43 pm ·Fast payout features can make online gaming feel more rewarding.
With a gaming site buuilt around quick withdrawals, players can receive
funds in less time. That efficient payment flw often matches well with easy-to-follow payot
information and user-friendly navigation. That is why, everything feels well organized annd comfortable to use.
tenobet
April 28, 2026 - 2:02 pm ·Real money gaming can give online entertainment a more vivid
and engaging character. On a platform created
for real money play, players can experience a livelier playing rhythm.
Many users also appreciate easy-to-read account information,
convenient money management options, and a user-friendly
layout. As a result, there is a well-balanced environment.
Try your luck at win cashino
April 28, 2026 - 2:22 pm ·Rapid withdrawals can add extra comfort to the
overall playing experience. With a gaming site built around quicfk
withdrawals, players can receive funds in less time.
That efficient payment flow often matches well
with easy-to-follow payout information and ssecure transaction systems.
Befause of this, everything feels pleasant and positive throughout.
try now
April 28, 2026 - 2:42 pm ·Playing with real funds can make each digital session feel more dynamic and immersive.
On a platform creatted for real mney play, players often enjoy a stronger sense
of participation. Modern audiences often look for clear platform details, convenient
money management options, and a comfortable site structure.
Thhis combinatin helps build a pleasant environment.
winzila world
April 29, 2026 - 7:02 am ·Rapid withdrawals can add extra comfort to the overall playing experience.
With a gaming site buil around quick withdrawals, plauers enjoy faster acess to their balance.
That efficient payment flow often matches well with
clear withdrawal details and user-friendly navigation. That is why,
everythkng feels smooth and easy to manage.
spinobon top titles
April 29, 2026 - 7:26 am ·Online play with real money caan aadd extra excitement
annd involvement to the overall experience. At an online casino for resal money, players may
finnd the atmosphere more compelling. A lot of players value transparent
terms, convenient monry management options, and simple navigation.
Together, these elements create a well-balanced environment.
bet ninja
April 30, 2026 - 8:08 am ·Real money play can make online entertainment feel more vivid
and rewarding. On a platform designed for real cash play,
plahers may feel a deeper sense of involvement while playing.
A lot of players value easy-to-read account information, cinvenient money management options,
and simple navigation. This combination helps create a pleasant
environment with steady convenience throughout play.
bet ninja
April 30, 2026 - 9:26 am ·Fast access to winnings can give digital play a smoother and
more satisfying rhythm. With a gaming site focused on speedy cashout processing,
players may enjoy aster access to their balance.
Modern audiences often look for clear wifhdrawal details,
secure transaaction systems, and a well-organized layout. As
a result, there is a well-balanced experience.
classic slots
May 1, 2026 - 11:23 am ·Online gaming with real money can create a more engaging and energetic overall experience.
With a gaming site built around reall money sessions, players may feel a deeper
sense of involvement while playing. Many users also appreciate transparent conditions, smooth payment features, and a user-friendly layout.
Thhis combination helps crete a positive environment with a smooth
overall flow throughout play.
jogao bet
May 6, 2026 - 10:02 am ·Acesso veloz ao saldo pode dar ao entretenimento digital um
ritmo mais leve e agradável. Num casino online com pagamentos rápidos, os utilizadores ganham mais liberdade para gerir
o saldo. Muitos jogadores valoriam também regras claras, recursos úteis para o saldo e uma navegação
intuitiva. Como resultado, surge uma experiência positiva e confortável.