In researching Dangerosa, grandmother of Eleanor of Aquitaine, I discovered that “Dangereuse” was given the nickname not because of holding a sword at men’s chests, but because of her ability to hold their attention.
She was married when she met William IX, and so was he, but his wife was away. He kidnapped Dangerosa, although it probably was with her approval, and installed her in his home. Since he had quite a bit of power, when protests were made about the situation, he brushed them aside. Possibly, this opposition to Dangerosa—and in turn, his wishes—helped cement her place in his life.
She had to have been a strong influence in her granddaughter, Eleanor’s, perceptions. In time, Eleanor would become queen of England and France. Dangerosa would have been proud of her granddaughter, and I suspect she wouldn’t have considered Eleanor’s actions out of the ordinary—even the rebellion Eleanor encouraged against her husband, the king.
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