medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (20. July) is the feast day of:
Arild (?) A virgin martyr of unknown date, martyred in
Kingston-by-Thornbury (Gloucestershire). She's a classic account of a
Christian virgin resisting the blandishments of a foul pagan tyrant, who
then gets mad a kills her. After 1066, Arild's relics were moved to
Gloucester Abbey, where her shrine was famous for its many miracles.
Margaret of Antioch (?) Most likely a fictional figure, but very popular,
especially in the later MA. According to legend, she was the daughter of a
pagan priest of Antioch. She became a Christian and was therefore kicked
out of the parental home. Margaret then became a shepherdess, only to have
the governor of Antioch fall into lust with her. When Margaret refused his
approaches, she was tortured, and even swallowed by a dragon (which then
burst). Margaret's preaching converted an immense number of people to
Christianity, who were then executed in Diocletian's persecution---as was
Margaret herself. Her cult was suppressed in 1969.
Wilgefortis (?) A great day for highly legendary saints. In its fully
developed form, the legend of Wilgefortis tells that she was a septuplet of
a pagan king and queen of Portugal. She and all her brothers and sisters
became Christians and were martyred. Wilgefortis' father wanted her to
marry, but she had taken a vow of virginity. So she prayed to become
unattractive, and as a result grew a full moustache and beard. Her fathr
hen had her crucified. Apparently the cult originated in 14th-cent.
Flanders.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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