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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 [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html