Legendary and Semi-Legendary Female Characters in Late Antique Hagiography

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Zlatkova, J. (2014). Legendary and Semi-Legendary Female Characters in Late Antique Hagiography: Repentant Harlots, Cross-Dressing Ascetics and Holy Fools, (2), 31-45. Retrieved from https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=19585
Details
Title

Legendary and Semi-Legendary Female Characters in Late Antique Hagiography

Subtitle

Repentant Harlots, Cross-Dressing Ascetics and Holy Fools

Author

Julia, Zlatkova

Journal

Иницијал. Часопис за средњовековне студије

Volume
Issue

2

Start page

31

End page

45

ISSN

2334-8003

ISBN
DOI
URL

https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=19585

Date

2014-2020/03/13/10:46:41

Abstract

This paper examines three extraordinary and bizarre types of female sanctity and ascetical practices, which were closely related to each other. They were favored by the early Byzantine hagiography, despite or maybe because of their legendary or semi-legendary character. The study analyzes symbolic significance and creative usage of biblical motifs in hagiographical discourse. By following biblical and mythological examples, medieval hagiographers created different types of holy women, which became powerful symbols of salvation and transformation for all humankind.

Keywords

asceticism, Byzantine hagiography, female sanctity, gender studies, women in Christianity