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The article explores the depiction of St Thaïs and how her evolution reflects the Madonna/Whore dichotomy.

June 17, 2026Open Access

From Whore to Madonna: Corporeality and Identity in the Legend of St Thaïs

Key Points

The article explores the depiction of St Thaïs and how her evolution reflects the Madonna/Whore dichotomy.
Analysis of the Gran flos sanctorum hagiography
Focus on St Thaïs' transition from prostitute to ascetic
Examination of thematic elements such as civil strife and the tomb/womb metaphor.
Thaïs' transformation is seen as a redemption arc that counters her past sins.
Her narrative serves as a commentary on societal views of femininity and morality.
The harlot's role is analyzed as a catalyst for civil unrest and moral reformation.

Abstract

A commonplace of hagiographic construction concerns how the sins of the body can be countered through the body. This article, which examines the representation of St Thaïs in the Gran flos sanctorum, the most accomplished of the various medieval Castilian hagiographic compilations, focuses on her transition from prostitute to penitential ascetic, considering how her development can be related to the Madonna/Whore dichotomy. Particular attention is afforded to the harlot as a catalyst to civil strife, and how the anchorhold plays on the traditional tomb/womb metaphor, enabling Thaïs to atone for her sins and rise to the ranks of the elect.

From Whore to Madonna: Corporeality and Identity in the Legend of St Thaïs

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Abstract

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