Millenarian Math

The Millenarian Math is a math set high on its own crag to the east of the Mynster. It is the home community of the Millenarians (often called the Thousanders).

First Appearance and Context

It is first situated when the narrator describes the geography around the Mynster: the crag of the Millenarian Math looms above on the east, with other maths and compounds spread below to the south and west. During the daily rites in the Mynster, the Millenarians attend from their reserved approach.

Structure and Features

• Perched on a distinct crag overlooking the Mynster from the east.
• Linked to the Mynster’s southeast corner by a dedicated, walled and covered, hand‑carved stone staircase described as “fantastical,” which winds (“zooms, veers, and rambles”) down the face of the crag.
• Entry to the chancel is, like other approaches, screened; those within see through their screen into the chancel, but not into the other naves.

Relationships and Functions

• Serves as the Thousanders’ residence and gathering place; they descend their private stair to take part in the auts held in the Mynster.
• In liturgical singing, the Thousanders are traditionally associated with the deepest notes; rumor within the concent holds that they cultivate techniques to loosen their voices for this purpose.

Current Status

Active and inhabited; it remains set on its crag east of the Mynster, with its covered stair providing direct access for the Millenarians to join rites within the chancel.