It’s a popular conception that virginity is prized in the Middle Ages. But how true is it to real life? If a man or woman had sex with someone but they’re not married to that person, is it a deal breaker for their suitors looking to marry them? And did medieval people think men’s virginity exist?
Versions of this question are quite popular on this sub. Here are some previous threads I've dug up dealing with sex, virginity, and rape in the Medieval era. No doubt there is much more that can be said, though, so hopefully some budding scholar will show up with more insight.
u/sunagainstgold discusses jus primae noctis here.
u/sunagainstgold discusses the rape of nuns and virgins here.
u/sunagainstgold (there seems to be a pattern here) discusses sexual violence in Medieval times.
u/Sir_David_S discusses virginity testing here.
And just a general shoutout to u/sunagainstgold about your book How to Slay a Dragon. It's one of my favorite reads this year. Kudos!