Aliena of Shiring

dominance, as well as attract wealth and travelers to Conques.

BONUS RECIPE- MEDIEVAL SPAIN

ALIENA OF SHIRING

Ready around 1000 CE Serves as Lady of Shiring and Business Owner 15-17 years old

Ingredients

● Royal Ties ● Independence ● Desirable Body Proportions ● Skilled Wool Business

Preparation

1. Lose all connection to the royal family of

Shiring. In the making of Aliena’s character, it is important to note her Royalties. Being the Earl’s first daughter, she was raised as a lady with entitlement and nobility. However, at 15, her father was accused of being a traitor, and died in prison. Her character will then develop to an independent, fierce leader who challenges kings, searches for daily work to support herself, and arms herself with her father’s dagger. 2. Fill in a desired frame. Aliena is not a complete character without her known desirability. Her long brown locks and voluptuous curves at a young age attracts many men. Unfortunately, she is brutally taken advantage of by William Hamleigh, which leads to many traumatic responses that later affect her. 3. Incorporate a genuine love interest. Aliena’s love story with Jack Jackson is one of the most important plot developments throughout the novel. Their chemistry is unmatched, and she will travel to the ends of the Earth (literally!) to maintain her relationship with the skilled craftsman. Make sure the couple weds and bears children in the end, despite Bishop Waleran’s refusal to marry them! Like many medieval romances for women, Jack is the most important thing in Aliena’s life. 4. Carefully operate a wool business. In order to support herself and her younger brother Richard, Aliena will learn to buy and sell wool from the market in Kingsbridge. She demonstrates exemplary determination to succeed, even after William Hamleigh attempts to ruin her trade out of spite. The presence of a woman in the market will be a large obstacle for Aliena, but with her confidence and support from Kingsbridge smallfolk, she will be successful.

Serving Tips

Although fictional, Aliena of Shiring brings a perfect example of medieval women in Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. She dresses modestly, yet still must deal with power-hungry men who feel entitled to her body. Her point of view depicts the life of a royal woman serving as a Lady, as well as a common citizen after her father dies. Her love interest allows readers to understand the hardships faced by couples in growing towns, and how travel and religious blessings can ultimately complicate an innocent relationship. Aliena’s character exemplifies confidence, respect, piety, and the hardships that a woman would likely face in the 12th century.