What is a pardoner?

A pardoner in medieval times was a person authorized by the Catholic Church to grant indulgences or pardons in exchange for money. This practice was seen as a way for people to absolve themselves of their sins and avoid punishment in the afterlife.

Pardoners were often viewed with suspicion and contempt by some members of society, as they were seen as exploiting people's fears of damnation to make a profit. Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Tale" from The Canterbury Tales portrays a pardoner as a corrupt and greedy individual who uses his position to enrich himself at the expense of others.

The role of the pardoner became increasingly controversial during the Protestant Reformation, as critics argued that the sale of indulgences was a form of corruption within the church. This ultimately led to the abolishment of the practice in many parts of Europe.

Overall, the pardoner was a complex figure in medieval society, representing both the power of the church to offer forgiveness and the potential for corruption and abuse within religious institutions.