Born in 1098, Hildegard was the tenth child of a well-to-do German family. From a young age, she experienced visions connected with illness (perhaps migraines), and in 1106 her parents sent her to a Benedictine monastery, calling Hildegard the family's "tithe" to God. There Hildegard availed herself of the opportunities to learn, and was eventually elected abbess.
Hildegard hid her early visions, but after becoming abbess she began to share them through her writings. She also corresponded with many persons, from peasants to kings, who wanted her advice and prayers.
