A reader recently asked me why Christina has such extreme mood swings, "Is she bipolar?" she asked.


Well, it very well could be. Just because the physicians of the middle ages dismissed emotional/mental illnesses among women as a lack of balance among their humours, a consequence of their inherent hot and emotional nature, or their inherent sinfulness, it doesn't mean that the same conditions that are routinely diagnosed today weren't suffered in the 14th century as well.


Throughout “No Man’s Chattel,” Christina experienced several traumatic events that, even in isolation, would have heightened her emotionality. Living in a constant fear of discovery would have created tremendous stress. Losing one close family member is terrible, but having the deaths of her sister, brother (apparently), and father, all within a single month’s time could have reduced her to the point of a complete nervous breakdown. Could the fact she assumed an alternative persona have helped her to cope with these tragedies?


Although Ziesolf provides invaluable assistance in helping her adjust to the practicalities of her new life, the decisions she makes as a Hanseatic merchant are hers alone. Therefore, she can take singular credit for her triumphs as well as enjoy the consequent happiness derived from her successes. On the other hand, when her plans go awry, she blames herself. Consequently, it seems plausible that, as the plot unfolds, her mood would change accordingly.


An inherent part of Christina's personality is that she does not tolerate fools or bullies. Either of these makes her see red and causes her to often act, usually without thinking. Perhaps this is also a reflection of her immaturity. Will she act in a more measured fashion as she ages into her further adventures? Only time will tell.