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A biography that idealizes its subject, often portraying them as a saint or a hero.
synonyms:saint's lifebiographical narrative
The term hagiography comes from the Greek words 'hagia,' meaning 'holy,' and 'graphia,' meaning 'writing.' It has been used since the early Christian period to describe writings about the lives of saints.
Primarily used in religious and historical contexts, often in discussions about saints or significant religious figures.
While hagiography is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears frequently in religious studies, historical texts, and literary discussions.
The hagiography of Saint Francis portrays him as a model of humility and compassion.
Scholars often debate the accuracy of the hagiography attributed to early Christian martyrs.
In his latest book, the author critiques the hagiography of political leaders, arguing that it distorts historical truth.
Hagiography is a fascinating word that dives into the art of storytelling about saints and revered figures. Originating from Greek roots, it blends 'holy' and 'writing' to convey a sense of reverence. These biographies often embellish the lives of their subjects, portraying them as paragons of virtue. While you might not hear it on a daily basis, hagiography has a strong presence in religious and historical discourse, reminding us of the thin line between fact and idealization in storytelling.