The Old Norse-Icelandic saga of Martha and Mary Magdalen,

, is a mid-fourteenth century hagiography likely compiled by Icelandic priest and abbot Árngrímr Brandsson (d. 1361) (Van Deusen 2014; Van Deusen 2019: 83-89). The saga provides a complete account of the lives of Martha of Bethany and Mary Magdalen, the latter of whom was understood during the Middle Ages as not only the sinner out of whom Jesus cast seven demons, but also Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus) and the unnamed sinner in the Gospel of Luke. The saga summarizes the various biblical stories involving the two sisters of Bethany, including the feast at the home of Simon the Pharisee, Jesus’ visit to Bethany, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, Martha’s recognition of Jesus…

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Citation: Van Deusen, Natalie M. "Mörtu saga ok Maríu Magðalenu". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 03 March 2023 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=40947, accessed 21 November 2024.]