As you may have noticed, my primary historical interests are in the 19th and 20th centuries. In my desire to expand my knowledge of disability history, I've needed to branch out. This story goes way back to the European Middle Ages. Since this is not an era I know very well, I had to do a lot of extra research. It was a "sacrifice" that I happily made. This story also involves church history, which fascinates my husband and recently became another interest of mine.
Hermann of Reichenau is known by many different names. His first name is sometimes anglicized as Herman, latinized as Hermannus, or written in the older form as Heriman. He has been known as Hermann of Vรถhringen after his birthplace. Traditionally, he was also called "Hermannus Contractus," which appeared in English as "Hermann the Lame," "Hermann the Cripple," or "Hermann the Twisted."