# Margaret the Virgin

> saint (275–304) usually shown with a dragon (292–307)

**Wikidata**: [Q297742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q297742)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_the_Virgin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/margaret-the-virgin

## Summary
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch, was a Christian saint and martyr venerated for her faith and legendary encounter with a dragon. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked for protection, and is widely depicted in art and religious iconography. Her legacy includes numerous churches and communities named in her honor across Europe.

## Biography
- **Born**: 292 CE (date of birth uncertain, often associated with Antioch)
- **Died**: 307 CE (date of death uncertain)
- **Nationality**: Roman (Antioch, modern-day Turkey)
- **Known for**: Christian martyrdom, association with the legend of slaying a dragon, and veneration as a saint
- **Field(s)**: Religious veneration, Christian hagiography

## Contributions
Margaret the Virgin is primarily known for her role in Christian tradition as a martyr and saint. Her legend, which includes her encounter with a dragon, has inspired numerous artistic depictions, including sculptures, paintings, and church decorations. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked for protection against various ailments and dangers. Her influence is evident in the dedication of several churches and communities across Europe, including:
- **Saint Justinus' church** in Frankfurt, Germany (inception: 850 CE)
- **Saint Margaret of Antioch Basilica in Nowy Sącz**, Poland (inception: 1400 CE)
- **Basilika St. Margareta** in Düsseldorf, Germany (inception: 1236 CE)
- **Church of St. Margaret of Antioch** near Kopčany, Slovakia (inception: 900 CE)
- **Church of St. Margaret** in Paris, France (inception: 1625 CE)

## FAQs
**Who is Margaret the Virgin?**
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch, is a Christian saint and martyr venerated for her faith and legendary encounter with a dragon. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is widely depicted in religious art and iconography.

**What is Margaret the Virgin known for?**
Margaret the Virgin is known for her martyrdom and the legend of slaying a dragon, which has inspired numerous artistic depictions and religious veneration. She is also associated with the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked for protection.

**Where are churches dedicated to Margaret the Virgin located?**
Churches dedicated to Margaret the Virgin are located across Europe, including in Frankfurt, Nowy Sącz, Düsseldorf, Kopčany, and Paris. These churches reflect her widespread veneration and influence in Christian tradition.

**What is the significance of Margaret the Virgin in Christian tradition?**
Margaret the Virgin is significant in Christian tradition as a symbol of faith and protection. Her legend and martyrdom have inspired countless works of art and religious devotion, and she is invoked as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers for protection against various dangers.

## Why They Matter
Margaret the Virgin's legacy lies in her enduring influence on Christian tradition and religious art. Her story of faith and martyrdom has inspired countless depictions in art, literature, and church architecture. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, she is invoked for protection, and her veneration has led to the dedication of numerous churches and communities across Europe. Her legend of slaying a dragon has become a powerful symbol of triumph over evil, resonating with believers throughout history.

## Notable For
- **Christian martyrdom**: Venerated as a saint for her faith and martyrdom.
- **Legend of slaying a dragon**: Widely depicted in art and religious iconography.
- **Fourteen Holy Helpers**: One of a group of saints invoked for protection.
- **Church dedications**: Numerous churches across Europe are named in her honor, including in Frankfurt, Nowy Sącz, Düsseldorf, Kopčany, and Paris.
- **Artistic depictions**: Inspired sculptures, paintings, and church decorations.

## Body
### Early Life and Legend
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch, is believed to have been born around 292 CE in Antioch, modern-day Turkey. Her legend tells of her encounter with a dragon, which she is said to have slain, symbolizing her triumph over evil. This legend has inspired numerous artistic depictions, including sculptures, paintings, and church decorations.

### Martyrdom and Veneration
Margaret the Virgin is venerated as a Christian martyr, known for her unwavering faith and martyrdom around 307 CE. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked for protection against various ailments and dangers. Her veneration has led to the dedication of numerous churches and communities across Europe.

### Churches and Communities
Several churches and communities are named in honor of Margaret the Virgin, reflecting her widespread influence and veneration. These include:
- **Saint Justinus' church** in Frankfurt, Germany (inception: 850 CE)
- **Saint Margaret of Antioch Basilica in Nowy Sącz**, Poland (inception: 1400 CE)
- **Basilika St. Margareta** in Düsseldorf, Germany (inception: 1236 CE)
- **Church of St. Margaret of Antioch** near Kopčany, Slovakia (inception: 900 CE)
- **Church of St. Margaret** in Paris, France (inception: 1625 CE)

### Artistic Depictions
Margaret the Virgin has been the subject of numerous artistic depictions, including sculptures, paintings, and church decorations. These depictions often show her with a dragon, symbolizing her legendary encounter and triumph over evil. Her image has inspired countless works of art and religious devotion.

### Influence and Legacy
Margaret the Virgin's legacy lies in her enduring influence on Christian tradition and religious art. Her story of faith and martyrdom has inspired countless depictions in art, literature, and church architecture. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, she is invoked for protection, and her veneration has led to the dedication of numerous churches and communities across Europe. Her legend of slaying a dragon has become a powerful symbol of triumph over evil, resonating with believers throughout history.

## References

1. Dictionary of Women Worldwide
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints
8. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Malgorzata-z-Antiochii;3936946.html)
9. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
10. Provenio