Rannekeiden

Rannekeiden were a group of female troubadours and minstrels from Northern Europe, particularly from the Netherlands and Germany, who were active in the 14th to 16th centuries. The term "Rannekeiden" is Dutch for "Ragné children" or "Ragné people," with "Ragné" being a nickname for Scandinavians or other foreigners from the North.

These women were known for their skills as musicians, poets, and entertainers, often performing at courts, fairs, and other public gatherings. Rannekeiden were often members of traveling troupes, and their repertoire included songs, ballads, and narratives that were performed to music. Many of their works were romantic in theme, and they were often associated with women's topics, such as love, beauty, and domestic life.

The Rannekeiden were often described as foreign, exotic, or even suspicious, reflecting the prejudices of the time. They were often paired with masculine musicians, such as lutenists or pipers, and performed in combination with male actors in masques and other staged entertainments. Some Rannekeiden were also translated into Middle Dutch and other languages, suggesting a certain international range and cultural influence.

While there are several accounts of Rannekeiden from historical and artistic sources, their exact relationship to other traveling performers and troubadours remains unclear. However, their legend and the depiction of Rannekeiden in medieval and Renaissance art indicate a long-standing fascination with the female performer and the exoticism of Northern Europe. Rannekeiden performances often referred to issues of female agency, beauty, and love, reflecting the broad social and cultural context of the time.