ABSTRACT
One of the most fascinating women of the fourteenth century was certainly Saint Birgitta of Sweden. Born at the beginning of the century (1302 or 1303), Birgitta soon manifested an inclination towards the religious, if we may believe her two confessors who recorded the story of her life. This youthful religious bent was possibly related to the early death of her mother, in 1314. At the age of thirteen Birgitta was married to Ulf Gudmarsson, who in the Vita 1 is described as “rich, young, noble and prudent.” The marriage was blessed with eight children, born approximately between 1319 and 1334. As a married noblewoman Birgitta was responsible for heading a large household and keeping an eye on the education of the children. Besides, she found time to run a small hospital in the neighborhood of her residence, to help the sick and poor wherever she could, and to stay for longer periods at the royal court, acting as a lady in waiting to the queen. 2
