Routledge - The Displacement of the Body in Aelfric's Lives

Explore the complex relationship between faith and the physical form in The Displacement of the Body in Aelfric's Virgin Martyr Lives. Published by Routledge, this scholarly work examines 10th-century Old English hagiographical translations created by the abbot and grammarian Aelfric. By analyzing translations from Latin source material, this text investigates the lives of several key figures, including Agnes, Agatha, Lucy, and Eugenia. It also covers the stories of married saints such as Daria, Basilissa, and Cecilia. These narratives recount the persecution and martyrdom of young women who chose to renounce sex and, in certain instances, marriage, to dedicate themselves to Christian service. This study provides a deep look into the primacy of virginity and how the body functions in the pursuit of sanctity. It is an essential resource for readers interested in Old English literature, hagiography, and the historical role of women in religious contexts.