Golden Legend: Saint Eugenia
From the introduction of Eugenia explaining her significant family ties, one can infer that she had a very rich and powerful background. In this age, I am the sure the culture in rich families was an arranged marriage, and women had many kids. However, this is much different than what Eugenia set out to do.
This storyline and central plot when reading reminded me a lot of aspects of the Disney movie, Mulan. In this movie, because it wasn't acceptable for a woman to become a soldier, Mulan disguises as a man to stand up to the enemies fighting her father and homeland. This storyline and Mulan reminded me a lot of Eugenia in this story. Because in this historical time, leading a Christian life in the church often required being a male, Eugenia dressed up and pretended to be a male so she could live a completely devout and holy life as an abbot. When reaching the climax of her being accused of adultery, it was very surprising that her father would betray her to the point of executing her. After researching more about the story and dissecting the language, I have concluded that she was still disguised as a man when she faced her father as the judge; so he was not aware of her identity. This punishment shows how strict this society was in Egypt, and how minor actions committed in this day in age would be massive crimes faced with execution.
It does further explain, however, that Eugenia, despite her extreme vulnerability and the hate inflicted upon her, found the love to introduce her father to Christianity. Was her father not already a Christian as the leader of this society? Was adultery punished because it was a sin or because it was just not morally acceptable at this time? Aside from this, Eugenia's father's good character was exemplified as he continues to pursue the church of Christianity and lead his nation on the bases of this faith. The language in this story was very beautiful, and I loved the Latin style implemented into the syntax.
Bibliography: F.S. Ellis, Golden Legend: Saint Eugenia (link)
From the introduction of Eugenia explaining her significant family ties, one can infer that she had a very rich and powerful background. In this age, I am the sure the culture in rich families was an arranged marriage, and women had many kids. However, this is much different than what Eugenia set out to do.
This storyline and central plot when reading reminded me a lot of aspects of the Disney movie, Mulan. In this movie, because it wasn't acceptable for a woman to become a soldier, Mulan disguises as a man to stand up to the enemies fighting her father and homeland. This storyline and Mulan reminded me a lot of Eugenia in this story. Because in this historical time, leading a Christian life in the church often required being a male, Eugenia dressed up and pretended to be a male so she could live a completely devout and holy life as an abbot. When reaching the climax of her being accused of adultery, it was very surprising that her father would betray her to the point of executing her. After researching more about the story and dissecting the language, I have concluded that she was still disguised as a man when she faced her father as the judge; so he was not aware of her identity. This punishment shows how strict this society was in Egypt, and how minor actions committed in this day in age would be massive crimes faced with execution.
It does further explain, however, that Eugenia, despite her extreme vulnerability and the hate inflicted upon her, found the love to introduce her father to Christianity. Was her father not already a Christian as the leader of this society? Was adultery punished because it was a sin or because it was just not morally acceptable at this time? Aside from this, Eugenia's father's good character was exemplified as he continues to pursue the church of Christianity and lead his nation on the bases of this faith. The language in this story was very beautiful, and I loved the Latin style implemented into the syntax.
St. Eugenia, Wikimedia
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